Mini boot camp fun – an era ends Published Sept. 19, 2012 By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Wiping sleep from their eyes, kids gathered at Wacky World playground here at 7 a.m. on July 14, ready to begin a full day of military fun. The children were participating in the 514th Maintenance Group's 10th Annual Mini Boot Camp. Ranging in age from 3 to 14, the children received their military gear of a camouflaged baseball cap and scarf before receiving instruction on saluting, marching and military customs and courtesies from their training instructor. The morning ended with a tour of the aircraft, fire department and seeing a military working dog demonstration. Following the tour they rejoined their parents at the group's family day picnic on Doughboy Field, where the wing commander presented certificates of participation. "We wanted to give the kids a better understanding of what their family members may have gone through, plus teach some additional respect, courtesies and teamwork above what they normally receive," said Col. Nicholas Koski-Vacirca, who was the group's training commander when the camp began ten years ago. Koski-Vacirca made a special trip from Delaware to come back for this year's activities. His trip was twofold. The day not only signified the 10th anniversary of the boot camp, but it was also the last one Master Sgt. Randall Scotton, the original brainchild of the event, would coordinate before his retirement in September after 30 years of military service. "I've been planning this year's camp for a year," said Scotton, boot camp coordinator and member of the 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I wanted to make it extra special." With his passion for giving and a heart for children, make it special he did. Scotton made sure the children had air bouncers, balloons, a face painter, a snow cone and a popcorn machine waiting for them at the picnic grounds. He also designed and purchased a boot camp souvenir coin that boasted the logo "MXG BMTS" on one side and had the C-141 Starlifter, KC-10 Extender and C-17 Globemaster III, the three aircraft the maintainers have serviced over the past 10 years, on the flip side. He gave a coin to every participant and to those who helped with the boot camp. Over the years the mini boot camp has not changed in purpose, but has grown in popularity. A handful of participants have even grown with the program and haven't missed a year, said Scotton. Throughout the day, the whoops, hollers, laughter and smiling faces show the kids had fun, and their serious faces and many questions are evidence that they learned something. "My favorite part was seeing the military police dogs, especially when the dog pulled the bad guy out of the car," said Haley Werner, daughter of Master Sgt. Leonard Werner, of the 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I also liked learning how to drive the C-17." With Scotton gone, the maintainers still want the mini boot camp to remain. "We're going to do our best to continue the mini boot camp for years to come said, the group's commander, Col. Anthony Esposito. As for Scotton, he's going to be hard to replace, said Chief Master Sgt. Linda Menser, the group's superintendent. Although we can't fill his shoes, we are looking for a replacement, Esposito said.