REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- Parents who work at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command got an opportunity to show their children what they do in defense of the nation.
USASMDC/ARSTRAT employees located at the Redstone Arsenal headquarters participated in the command's "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" April 28.
"Today allows us to brag about your mom and dad and what they do for our country," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "This is a relatively small, but unique organization. We have many talented Soldiers, scientists and engineers who are responsible for controlling satellites in orbit.
"They also protect our Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are forward-based around the world with important space and missile defense systems," he added.
Approximately 75 children 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, and participated in team building activities.
"Today has been very interesting," said Emma Taylor, daughter of Bobby Taylor, SMDC Safety manager. "I have enjoyed finding out about all of the jobs that people have and things that I can do in high school to get prepared for those jobs.
"I had some idea of what people in the Army do, but I found out a lot of cool things that I didn't know," she added. "I learned they do a lot of explosives testing and working in space. I think it would be cool to be an astronaut, but I don't think I am qualified for it yet. I had a blast seeing what my dad does."
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.
"Today was awesome," said Aidan Dimitri, son of Kelly Dimitri, SMDC G-1 human resources specialist. "I learned what some of the offices do here and what some of the people do. And it was cool to learn that the Army has astronauts.
"If anyone else has a chance to be here they should come see what their parents do," she added. "I learned that my mom works really hard for her job and she has lots of friends."
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