Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

An Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing holds his child while viewing an AC-130J Ghostrider during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. Operation DEMO is designed to help military children understand what military members experience by exposing them to deployment cycles in an age-appropriate way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Col. William Smith, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander, presents a medal to a child during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event concluded with a simulated deployment homecoming ceremony in which children received certificates and medals after participating in activities about the deployment cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Moore, 1st Special Operations Wing command chief, presents a certificate to a child during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event combined a simulated deployment homecoming with family activities and static aircraft displays to help military children better understand the deployment cycle and military life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing present a certificate and medal to a child during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event concluded with a simulated deployment homecoming ceremony in which children received certificates and medals after participating in activities about the deployment cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Medals are displayed on a table before a simulated deployment ceremony during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event concluded with a ceremony where children received certificates and medals to recognize the sacrifices they make during their parent’s deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

An Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing helps his child shoot a basketball during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event combined a simulated deployment homecoming with family activities and static aircraft displays to help military children better understand the deployment cycle and military life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Moore, 1st Special Operations Wing command chief, plays basketball with a military child during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. The event included family activities, static aircraft displays and a medal presentation ceremony to help military children understand the deployment cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

An Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing and his family, left, speaks with Dr. Mackinley Cross, Hurlburt Field school liaison, during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. School liaisons and representatives from family readiness programs participated in the event to provide support and resources for Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)

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Operation DEMO gives military children hands-on look at deployment homecomings.

Published Aug. 12, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- An Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing holds his child while viewing an AC-130J Ghostrider during an Operation Discovering and Exploring Military Operations homecoming event at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 27, 2026. Operation DEMO is designed to help military children understand what military members experience by exposing them to deployment cycles in an age-appropriate way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mateo Garcia)