Demo for heroes

Master Sgt. Robert Shoemake, 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron, commentates on a demonstration performed by the 96 GCTS counter insurgence team during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. The event, sponsored by the 96th Test Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center, teaches children the experiences their military family members go through during predeployment and while out in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon)

Call to heroes

Col. Tony Douglas, 96th Test Wing installation deputy commander, encourages children to prepare for push-ups at their last stage of the processing line during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. The event, sponsored by the 96th Test Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center, teaches children the experiences their military family members go through during predeployment and while out in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon)

Welcome aboard

Potential, future Airmen walk up the ramp of a static C-130 aircraft, during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. The event, sponsored by the 96th Test Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center, teaches children the experiences their military family members go through during predeployment and while out in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon)

A hero's smile

Capt. Kathy Konops, 9th Special Operations Squadron, reveals to Violet Bellino her camouflage face paint, during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. Violet’s father, Sgt. Michael Bellino, is with the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 501. The event, sponsored by the 96th Test Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center, teaches children the experiences their military family members go through during predeployment and while out in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon)

Double check

Staff Sgt. James Brower, of the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and his team review their checklist one last time before they announce they’ve completed the weapons load competition Oct. 19 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Brower and his F-16 team competed in the quarterly competition against an F-15 load crew team. The competition was measured by how quickly, safely and accurately the teams loaded an MK-82 and an AIM-9M to their respective aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Weapons load

Senior Airman Adrian Pamintuan, of the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, double checks the connecters on the F-16 wing as his teammates move an MK-82 to be loaded during a weapons load competition Oct. 19 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Pamintuan and his team competed in the quarterly competition against an F-15 load crew team. The competition was measured by how quickly, safely and accurately the teams loaded an MK-82 and an AIM-9M to their respective aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)