Security Forces Participate in KUDOS Event Honoring Month of the Military Child

April 17, 2025 Hannah Sanchez 419th SFS, 75th SFS, SF Units, USAF 0
Airman 1st Class Shiela Jackson, 75th Security Forces Squadron, helps a student suit up in “battle gear” during a mock processing line at a Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS) event April 15, 2025, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The event, held in celebration of Month of the Military Child, gave Hill Field Elementary School students a hands-on look at the deployment process many of their parents may experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Hill Field Elementary, located just outside Hill Air Force Base and serving a student body largely made up of military children, hosted a Kids Understanding Deployment Operations, or KUDOS, event April 11 in recognition of Month of the Military Child.



The event gave more than 400 students firsthand insight into the deployment process their parents may experience. Beginning with a pre-deployment briefing and swearing-in ceremony, students received travel information before navigating a mock deployment processing line. Various career fields supported the deployment line, including legal, public health, chapel, military personnel flight, finance, and more.

“Kids Understanding Deployment Operations helps our military-connected children gain a clearer understanding of the deployment cycle,” said Tech. Sgt. Flor Meza with Hill AFB’s Military and Family Readiness Center. “Our hope is that this knowledge empowers them to emotionally prepare for the separation and fosters a more positive outlook throughout the process.”

First responders from explosive ordnance disposal, security forces, and the fire department showcased demonstrations featuring K9 teams, combat arms training and maintenance, fire equipment, an EOD robot, and trucks.

Following the simulated deployment, students returned to Hill Field Elementary for a welcome home celebration, marking the conclusion of their immersive experience.

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  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hill Field Elementary School students interact with a robotic dog from the 75th Security Forces Squadron during a Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS) event April 15, 2025, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Held in celebration of Month of the Military Child, the event provided students with a hands-on look at the deployment process many of their parents may experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)
(At right) Senior Airman Jayden Romero, 419th Security Forces Squadron, and 1st Lt. Casey Stachler, 75th Air Base Wing Staff Judge Advocate Office, assist students as they go through a mock processing line during a Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS) event April 15, 2025, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The event, held in celebration of Month of the Military Child, gave Hill Field Elementary School students a hands-on look at the deployment process many of their parents may experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)
Deedra Nelson, a nurse with the 75th Medical Group’s New Parent Support Program, interacts with a student during a mock processing line at a Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS) event April 15, 2025, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The event, held in celebration of Month of the Military Child, gave Hill Field Elementary School students a hands-on look at the deployment process many of their parents may experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar)