Kadena children deploy for Skoshi Warrior '08

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Japanese word "skoshi" may mean "small" or "little," but the fun times shared by children, parents and volunteers at Marek Park Saturday were anything but small. 

More than 250 children donned BDUs and camouflage paint for this year's Skoshi Warrior. The Airman and Family Readiness Center-sponsored event was designed to show children of deploying or deployed servicemembers what their parents experience before and during a deployment. 

"The purpose of Skoshi Warrior is to help children understand the preparation it takes to deploy and also give them a vision of what happens at a deployed location," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Wells, readiness NCO with the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "At the same time, we're providing information to parents who may need assistance." 

After registering and receiving a pre-deployment briefing from Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander, Col. Manson Morris, 18th Wing vice commander, Col. Ronald Banks, 18th Operations Group commander or Col. Kelly Fletcher, 18th Mission Support Group commander, Kadena's Skoshi Warriors processed through the immunizations tent where they received the necessary "shots" in the form of candy. The young deployers received advance pay in the form of play money at the finance tent and had the chance to taste Meals-Ready-to-Eat. 

The children navigated their way through an obstacle course during the "deployment," which included a low-crawl, barrier hurdles, tire run, rifle carry and canteen water relay. 

Other activities included interactive displays and demonstrations from the base fire department, security forces, communications squadron and the 554th Red Horse Squadron. The Army's 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion also set up a static display for the event. 

The Kadena USO provided food and beverages for all attendees and volunteers. 

"[Skoshi Warrior] is really fun and it helps explain to us kids what happens when our parents deploy," said Kyrianan Ruiz, 8, son of Tracy and Staff Sgt. Rudy Ruiz, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron. 

Kyrianan is the eldest of four boys in the Ruiz family and understands the importance of deployments and support programs for families of deployers. 

"It's really hard work [being the man of the house]," Kyrianan said. "It's my job to take out the trash, look after the dogs and make sure they don't leave 'anything' behind. Sometimes I have to take a break, like coming to fun events like Skoshi Warrior." 

Kyrianan's mother, Tracy, echoes her son's appreciation for the family support programs at Kadena. 

"Everybody from the AFRC to all the volunteers was really good about trying to help the kids understand [about deployments] and give an overall idea of what Dad is going through," said Tracy. "I was deployed once when I was on active-duty, so it's easier to explain to our boys why their Dad is deployed, because I can see from his perspective." 

Sergeant Wells said this year's Skoshi Warrior was a huge success and owes the credit to the 135 volunteers who donated their time. 

"I want to give thanks to all the families, volunteers and units that came out to support this event," said Sergeant Wells. "This year's Skoshi Warrior turned out bigger than last year and next year will be even bigger."