Dover to hold Children’s Mobility Line

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base will host a Children's Mobility Line June 17 from 9 - 11 a.m. in the Youth Center.

"This helps give the children a sense of what their parents go through," said Bonnie McGill, 436th Force Support Squadron Youth Center school-age coordinator. "The children understand that this isn't exactly the same as what their parents do, but some of it is similar."

Coordinators are estimating nearly 300 children will be at the event.

"We open the event up to active duty, Reserve, guard units and even local schools," said Master Sgt. Shawn Swanson, 436th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness NCO.

Using the new Youth Center will allow the Children's Mobility Line to separate the children into more manageable groups.

"This was started in 2002, and every year it's gotten a little bit bigger and a little bit better," said Sergeant Swanson. "The new Youth Center has more space which allows us to add more displays."

The Children's Mobility Line is currently scheduled to have displays from 15 base agencies, including Security Forces, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, the Medical Group and Logistics Readiness.

"This helps relieve some of the anxiety children may have when their parents deploy," said Sergeant Swanson. "It gives us a chance to show them the equipment their parents use, such as flak vests and bomb-disarming robots. It's also a chance for them to come out and have a good time. Security Forces is going to do a dog demonstration and EOD is going to show off their bomb-disarming robot."

As children go through the mobility line they will be given a backpack and access pass, which will allow them to go to all the different agency tables for information and free goodies.

"We give out snacks, goodies and each child gets a dog tag with 'Dover AFB Children's Mobility Line, you serve too' printed on it," said Sergeant Swanson.

Parents must accompany their children to the event.

"This is not a 'just drop your kids off' kind of event," said Sergeant Swanson. "This event is for everyone, we try to make sure there are things for the whole family."

To register a child for the event, call 677-6930.