ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
More than 186,000 visitors came to Andrews during the Joint Service Open House last weekend. With the excitement of aerial acrobatics, static displays and the hustle and bustle of thousands of patrons, pilots and servicemembers, dozens of unfortunate children were separated from their families, and Team Andrews members were there to help.
The 316th Force Support Squadron's Lost Child Facility, along with the support of Team Andrews members and even air show patrons, helped reunite 46 children with their guardians during the Andrews JSOH May 15 through 17.
In one such instance, guest pilots helped coordinate the reunion of some young fans with their parents.
"There were two boys looking at merchandise with their fathers," said Craig Johnson, B-17 "Memphis Belle" pilot. "They had walked away, and few minutes later came back and said they were lost."
They waited under the tailfin of the "Memphis Belle," sheltered from the warm midday sun, while Mr. Johnson flagged down two Andrews servicemembers to escort them to the LCF.
"They looked scared," said Maj. Alana Casanova, JSOH Joint Information Bureau director and escort for the boys. "Our number one concern was to make them feel safe and comfortable."
The Airmen brought them to a place where they could indeed feel safe amidst a sea of thousands of strangers.
"We provide a safe haven for a child who has been separated, until they are reunited," said Donna Meador, 316 FSS family childcare and LCF director.
The first step to reuniting the children with their parents is to write up an information sheet on them, she said
After the records are made, actions are set in motion to bring the children to their guardian.
"If they are old enough, some of the children can give their parent's cell phone number," said Ms. Meador. "We also have a direct line to Show Control, who can make announcements for us." And Announcements they did. Throughout the day, names and descriptions of lost children and family members were broadcasted across the air and into the ears of thousands to reach a very important one or few.
"As a mom myself, it made me very proud to be a member of this entire team, knowing that parents and kids could enjoy the air show safely," Major Casanova said.
In the end, the LCF made sure that a very important needle in the haystack, for JSOH's youngest patrons, was found.