Military kids receive VIP treatment

  • Published
  • By Cynthia Harris
  • 445th Airlift Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Operation Purple Camp, hosted by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, was held July 6-19 at Camp Graham in Clarksville, Ohio. Each year, the National Military Family Association (NMFA) sponsors the camp. The free, overnight camp was created in 2004 to help military children struggling with the stress of a deployed parent. 

Children attending camp were from all over the country, including Hawaii, Alabama, and throughout Ohio. Of the 180 campers attending this year's camp, 10 were from Wright-Patterson AFB families. This year's camp was the first two week camp offered. In addition to enjoying the camp's hiking trails, campfire site, fossil-laden creek, swimming pool, and canoeing, the 9 to 16 year old campers also visited Wright-Patterson AFB and Springfield Air National Guard Base.

While at Wright-Patterson, the group had an opportunity to visit the 445th Airlift Wing's Survival Equipment Shop and the Aircrew Flight Equipment shop. They also toured the C-5, and watched military working dog demonstrations by the 88th Air Base Wing Security Forces Squadron. 

Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Weber, 445th Airmen and Family Readiness Center, was a member of the wing's family support center when the camp was created. "Our office worked with the NMFA, active duty, the Springfield Air National Guard and the Ohio State 4-H Extension Office to jump start the program," Sergeant Weber said. 

This year's camp is Sergeant Weber's fifth. She helps coordinate, set up tours and get children registered. Weber finds fulfillment in working with the children year after year. 

"You see some of the same kids each year and it's great to be able to talk to them and find out how things have been going for them. We also get to see new kids and give them the opportunity to interact with other kids in the same situation." 

Sergeant Weber said she's moved to see how the children are doing as they get older. It's fun to see the kids learn something new or what their parents do. The camp is the only time you get to see some of the children all year, she added. 

Three of the campers are children of 445th Airlift Wing members. One of the campers expressed his excitement about the camp. "The staff was great-tastic. There were cool field trips, and we learned about the jets at the Springfield Air Guard Base --that was great!" exclaimed Neal Miller, age 11, son of 445th noncommissioned officer in charge of Public Affairs Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller. "Overall, it was a pretty cool experience," he added." 

Planning the camp is a huge feat and couldn't be accomplished without the support of personnel at Wright-Patterson AFB and Springfield ANG. Thanks to all the organizations that opened their doors for the campers, Sergeant Weber concluded. 

Organizations or individuals who would like to support Operation Purple Camp should call Sergeant Weber at656-1502 or email her at Kimberly.Weber@wpafb.af.mil. 

To find out how to register your child for the camp, please visit the National Military Family Association website at http://www.nmfa.org.