Operation Spirit: Stealth Samurai

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michelle Caldwell
  • 509th Force Support Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Camouflage face paint, check. Dog tags, check. Uniform of the day, check. The youth of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, were ready for Operation Spirit: Stealth Samurai.

On May 6, 2017, the Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted a mock deployment for 200 members of Team Whiteman, particularly children ages 5 - 17, geared toward reducing the emotional and psychological fears associated with deployment for families.

The day began with a recall to the young deployers. Once they arrived to the deployment center, they met with their chalk leaders, who would be their guide for the day. The participants headed to the mission briefing room where they were greeted by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, the 509th Bomb Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Crawford, the 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) manager. The mission brief gave participants an insight on what to expect at their assigned location, “Camp Bushido.”

Then, the deployers moved through a real-life deployment line with representatives from finance, legal, medical, a key spouse and a Military Family Life Counselor. They were given red bags containing everything they needed before they deployed, such as dog tags and their Operation Spirit shirts.

After processing through the line, the deployers went to the flightline to see a B-2 Spirit and T-38 Talon up close. The last stop for these deployers was tent city, otherwise known as Camp Bushido. This location helped educate families on austere military environments and the services available for a deployed parent and the families who remain at home.

Within Camp Bushido, participants got a chance to see several demonstration units, such as Aircrew Life Support, a SFS K-9 team, the fire department, American Red Cross, SFS weapons display and combatives demonstration, explosive ordnance disposal flight, and ambulance services. The youth were able to talk to the volunteers about their equipment and the roles they play in achieving mission success.

Lastly, the highlight of the event was the obstacle course. It was designed to teach the youth there are obstacles they will have to overcome in life. It also displayed the seven virtues of bushido, which means way of the samurai. Those virtues included integrity, respect, heroic courage, honor, compassion, honesty and sincerity, duty and loyalty.

Once the fun was done, the chalks headed to the field kitchen for a lunch before loading on the bus back to the deployment center where they met the re-integration team. This solidified that although military members may have to deploy, family will be waiting for them when they return back home.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center would like to thank the Base Community Council, Whiteman Spouses Club and Team Whiteman for supporting this event.

It would not have come together without the dedication of our Total Force team and our community partners helping to make it a success!