Children learn about ‘stranger danger’, how to identify ‘good guys’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jimmie D. Pike
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Children attending the Kuk Sool Won martial arts class, here, recently learned valuable techniques to avoid and evade strangers, as well as how to identify first responders who can help in emergencies.

Thirteen children had the opportunity to meet with members assigned to the 86th Security Forces Squadron and 86th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, and learn how to identify them in public.

“It’s important for the kids to know who they can go to for help,” said Mike Grimes, 603rd Air and Space Operations Center weapon system manager and Kuk Sool Won martial arts class instructor. “That was the purpose of bringing in members of security forces and the fire department to interact with the class.”

With the intention of teaching kids how to identify security forces members, SSgt. Calin Cronin, 86th SFS installation patrolman, spoke about some of the identifiable features of a security forces member’s uniform.

“We have two different uniforms, the blue bike patrol uniform, and the traditional Airman Battle Uniform,” said Cronin. “We also may be wearing radios, guns, handcuffs or a police vest.”

While building trust between children and emergency responders, Grimes also wants to make sure families continue to teach their children about safety around strangers.

“On a military installation we get complacent in teaching kids about dealing with strangers and who to go to because we feel safe,” said Grimes. “In the real world, bad things happen and we need to make sure our children are prepared.”

One way to ensure that kids are prepared for these scenarios is to work with them on an occasional basis.

“It comes down to training, or just putting the ideas into (children’s) heads,” said Cronin. “Do things like practice fire alarms and drills, and ask them who to call in certain situations.”

After the first ever addition of bringing in first responders to the class ended in success, Grimes wants to continue the addition for future classes.

“Overall I think the class went well,” said Grimes. “It was good information for everybody and the parents liked it. I would like to continue having first responders come talk to the kids at least annually to help with safety.”

For more information on the class, please contact Grimes at mike.grimes@fortisvitae.net.