Army Lt. Col. Paul Rumberger, addressed a group of eager youngsters participating in the 20th annual New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakerhurst on April 25.
“Today is going to be a great day,” Rumberger said. “You will get to see what your Dad and Mom do when they come to work here – and you’re going to have a lot of fun.”
The children followed one simple instruction given during the safety brief from SGM John Hicks, marking the start of the day’s events.
“The number one rule is have fun, and be safe,” said Hicks.
Fun was first on the agenda when the group, divided into three platoons, watched with excitement as a black hawk touched ground shortly after 9 a.m. The demonstration allowed the children to tour the aircraft and experience sitting in the pilot’s seat.
The surge of kids rushing to explore the helicopter ran in pairs following their safety instructions to maintain the “battle buddy” system.
The events mimicked what their parents experience everyday in the military. For Sgt. 1st Class Richard Deniola, the second platoon leader and Suicide Prevention NCOIC for the state, following protocol by electing a guidon bearer was first on his list.
Deniola chose David Green, 10, son of Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Corbin-Green. Deniola and Green led the way holding a yellow flag distinctly marked with a black “2” as they marched from one activity to the other.
The best part of the day’s events for Deniola was the one-mile road march.
“It is the most strenuous, and the kids really pull together.” Deniola said.
The kids worked together in each event from cheering on a friend scaling a rock-climbing tower to trading snacks from their MREs (Meals Ready to Eat).
Using the same teamwork, Christopher Hintzen, 10, son of Spc. Jessica Torr’andell, a GI technician, listened to guidance from his mother during the weapons simulator activity. Using the tactical trainer, kids fired M4s at virtual targets.
“Wow. That was fun!” said Hintzen as he walked out of the dimly light weapons training area.
The push to make this year’s annual event fun and safe for the whole family was a success quantified by the smiles on the kids faces.
“Every year it gets better,” Denicola said.
papermiles 