JBMDL members bring children to work

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The spotlight was on the children as members of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst brought their young ones with them to work here April 24.

Held every fourth Thursday in April, the day was inspired by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day program which is directed by Carolyn McKecuen, executive director of Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Foundation. Conceived in 1992, the program was originally named Take Our Daughters to Work Day and later expanded to include boys in 2003. The day allows children to see another side of their parents as they get a close up view of mom and dad in a professional setting.

"This was an opportunity for my daughters Brianna and Natalie to see where I work," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Varnes, 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I showed them the logistic rail systems used to deliver cargo!"

Varnes and other families had the opportunity to tour a P-19 Striker, KC-10 Extender and C-17 Globemaster III while walking on the windy flightline. Each static display consisted of a guide who greeted families, explained their job and answered questions.

Senior Airman Thomas Waters, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, along with fellow firefighters, Senior Airman Braden Kohl and Airman 1st Class Brandan Griffis showed children the operations and capabilities of the P-19 Striker, an aircraft firefighting vehicle.

"Our main objective is to show the kids a good time," said Kohl. "We want them to see what we are all about while at the same time communicating on a level each of them can understand."

Tech. Sgt. Jason Kelly, 732nd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, served as the subject-matter expert inside the cargo compartment of the C-17 Globemaster III, a military transport aircraft.

"The importance of today is that we actually provide family members of reservist and active duty a better knowledge of what we do," said Kelly. "I want them to leave with an understanding of the multi-roles that our aircraft play and the different types of missions that we provide the Air Force and America in general."