SMDC brings children to work

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsJuly 24, 2015

SMDC brings children to work
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- Members of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command got a chance to show their children what they do in defense of the nation.

USASMDC/ARSTRAT employees located at the Redstone Arsenal headquarters and at Colorado Springs, Colorado, participated in the command's "Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day" July 24.

"What we are going to talk to you about today is all the neat things your moms and dads do here at the Space and Missile Defense Command," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "How many of you know we operate satellites up in space? They help us communicate with Soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines all around the world. Did you know your moms and dads work with our satellites in space and also help us to develop missiles, defense systems and things that will protect us from bad people around the world who wish us harm? That is what your parents do day in and day out here.

"No matter how old you get, you make sure you give mom and dad a big hug and a kiss," he added. "You've got to do that because moms and dads are special people. That's an order."

Approximately 75 children and grandchildren participated in the event and saw a different side of their parents they may not get to witness at home.

Those in attendance viewed the new command video, learned summer safety tips, witnessed a Wounded Warrior dog demonstration and then saw demonstrations in the command's Concepts Analysis Laboratory, or CAL.

"I am here to see where my dad works and what he does," said Zane Manley, a Cullman High School student and son of Bryon Manley, Test Execution Support Division chief. "This is my first time here and it is pretty cool to see what he does. I got a chance to go to his office and watched a couple of videos.

"I learned a lot about different missiles and their different sizes and shapes," he added. "Going around and seeing different things is very interesting."

In the CAL, there was a small satellite demonstration; a Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar, or C-RAM, demonstration; a 3-D printer demonstration; and other scientific demonstrations.

After visiting the CAL, the parents then took their loved ones to their personal work areas and offices and further explained what they do on a daily basis.

"My grandmother invited me here today," said Carter Waldrep, student at Moody Middle School and granddaughter of Elaine Waldrep, executive assistant to the SMDC commanding general. "I am having fun and I am most excited to learn what she does here and see all the people who protect our country. Meeting the general was pretty cool. He was nice.

"I also learned how everybody works here and protects the United States," she added.

Related Links:

USASMDC/ARSTRAT web page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Facebook page

WAAY TV Bring Daughters and Sons to Work Day story page

Bring Daughters and Sons to Work Day flickr set