Month of the Military Child event gets children rolling at Fort Sill

By Jeff Crawley, Fort Sill CannoneerApril 17, 2014

Deere John,
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
HIMARS
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Children and caregivers from Fort Sill's three child development centers check out an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher from 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery during Wheels Day April 11, 2014, at a lot near the CD... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (April 17, 2014) -- In celebration of the Month of the Military Child, Fort Sill's three child development centers' children and staffs took a field trip to the annual Wheels Day April 11, at a lot near the CDCs.

About 350 children ranging from infants to 5 years olds, had a hands-on experience as they walked and climbed through a dozen motor vehicles. The vehicles included a tractor, a police cruiser, a city bus, as well as military displays including a field ambulance, Patriot missile launching station and a 155mm howitzer.

"It's an opportunity for the military children to see what mom and dad do on a daily basis, and to see what the military equipment is like," said Mary Michelle Turner, Parent Central Services director for Child, Youth and School Services. "It gives children a close up view of equipment and its size."

In addition to the five military units present with staff to explain their exhibits, there was a Lawton Area Transit System bus, a People's Cab, Directorate of Emergency Services police car, a Smart Car, as well as a couple vehicles from the Directorate of Public Works.

A popular photo op was the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile launching station manned by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Wilkerson, B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery, and other Soldiers.

"We want the kids to know that we are here to protect the United States, and this is what we use," said Wilkerson, an Advanced Individual Training instructor.

All the children and caregivers wore bright orange T-shirts sporting the logo "Young Lives, Big Stories."

"Those young lives definitely have big stories to tell and they have major contributions to the overall military mission," Turner said.

Another popular attraction were the Marines with an M777A2 155mm howitzer and M327 120mm rifle mortar on hand.

"We just want the kids to have fun and see what the Marines have out here," said Staff Sgt. James Drennan, Marine Artillery Detachment instructor.

Children squealed with delight as Staff Sgt. Tim Remal, C/2-6th ADA, had them doing 360s in an Avenger weapon system's turret.

It was the second consecutive week for an outside activity for the children from Cooper, Grierson and Tincher child development centers, Turner said. On April 3, the CDCs hosted a parade day with the children, parents and caregivers going around a loop.

The parade was led by a Fort Sill firetruck, color guard and the 77th Army Band.

"The parade and what we're doing today is a big 'thank you' for them (military children) for being so flexible with their time, their family and their family moves," she said. "We are very proud of them and excited that they are part of our program."