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)

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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)

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A hero's mask

Potential, future Airman, Cameron Nelson, escorted by Sgt Michael Bellino, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 501, tries on a gas mask after the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron demonstration 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)

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Curious spectators

Mercedes Schattel, whose husband is with the 7th Special Forces Group, reassures her son, Ryan, during the loud explosions from the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. Operation Hero, 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)

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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)

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Get down

Joey Ruiz, 96th Test Wing Security Forces Squadron, is brought to the ground by his son, Xavier, in the hand-to-hand combat pit 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)

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Heroes inspect an F-15

A parent and group of children find shade under an F-15 Eagle during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. More than 250 children registered for the event, sponsored by the 96th Test Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center. Operation Hero 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)

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Not to worry

Senior Airman Jordan Hoover, 96th Test Wing Security Forces Squadron, whispers to his son McCoy before the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron’s demonstration 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)

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Self Aid Buddy Care

Max Valencia, son of Master Sgt. Charley Valencia, 33rd Fighter Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is given Self Aid Buddy Care hands-on training by Airmen 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)

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Smooth operator

Corbin Follmar watches his brother, Graedin, operate a station on board a static C-130 aircraft during Operation Hero at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 20. The boys' mother, Master Sgt. Erika Follmar, is assigned to the 96th Test Wing's staff agency. 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)

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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)

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Team Eglin kids experience military life at Operation Hero

Published Oct. 24, 2012

A hero's smile

Call to heroes

A hero's mask

Curious spectators

Demo for heroes

Get down

Heroes inspect an F-15

Not to worry

Self Aid Buddy Care

Smooth operator

Welcome aboard