Students explore deployment life inside a real Air Force SSS tent
It’s not every day that 4th and 5th graders at Wylie East Intermediate walk into a tent built for life on deployment. But on Veterans Day, that’s exactly what they did.
The 7th Civil Engineer Squadron (7th CES) from Dyess Air Force Base rolled up early in the morning and began assembling what’s known as an SSS — a Small Shelter System. It’s the kind of portable tent structure Airmen live and work in during overseas deployments. Within hours, the open field beside the school was transformed into a mini base camp — complete with cots, helmets, protective suits, and enough curiosity from students to fill the entire tent.
“This is what deployment looks like,” one Airman explained, pulling the flap open and inviting the students inside. “When we’re overseas, this becomes our home.”
Once inside, students were wide-eyed. They peered into duffel bags, passed around gear, and took turns trying on helmets and the weighted tactical vests used in the field. A few gasped at the heaviness of it. “It’s so heavy!” one student said, wobbling slightly as the vest settled on their shoulders.
The Airmen smiled, walking students through each piece of gear — explaining how the gloves, boots, and masks are layered together to protect them from chemical exposure or harsh conditions. “It’s uncomfortable,” one Airman admitted, “but every bit of this keeps us safe. When you’re 7,000 miles from home, that matters.”
Students learned how quickly the suit must be put on — under three minutes — and watched as the team demonstrated how to help a partner secure the hood and straps. The demonstration felt part science class, part superhero training.
Then came the questions — and they were good ones.
“How long are you gone?”
“Do you ever get scared?”
“What do you eat?”
The answers were honest and funny. The Airmen showed off a real MRE — a “Meal Ready to Eat” — and pulled out packets of powdered drink mix, peanut butter, crackers, and even a small pouch labeled “chicken and noodles.”
“These things have about 1,800 calories,” an Airman said with a grin. “They’ll keep you full, but let’s just say they don’t taste like Chick-fil-A.” The crowd laughed.
Then someone asked what deployment life is really like. The Airmen talked about the long hours, the camaraderie, and the sense of family that grows among people who serve together. “You miss home,” one said, “but you also gain a brotherhood — a family. You work hard, you sweat a lot, but you laugh too. That’s what keeps you going.”
Before wrapping up, the team decided to issue one more challenge — this time outside the tent. “Who thinks they’re strong enough to take us on in a push-up challenge?” one of the Airmen shouted.
Hands shot up instantly.
Within minutes, the field filled with laughter and encouragement as rows of students dropped to the ground beside the Airmen. The drumline strength showed a steady beat, turning the friendly competition into something that felt like a halftime show. “Down… up! Down… up!” echoed across the campus.
“Even the band got their workout in,” one Airman joked, catching his breath. “Y’all held your own!”
Band Director Kyle McDonald would’ve been proud to see his students showing off their strength and spirit.
By the end of the morning, students left with more than just knowledge of military life — they left with perspective. They learned what service looks like, what sacrifice feels like, and what it means to work together toward something bigger than yourself.
For the Airmen, it was a reminder of why days like Veterans Day matter. “If one of these kids walks away a little more curious, a little more grateful, then it’s worth every minute,” said one member of the 7th CES. “Because this next generation — they’re the reason we serve.”
And as the tent came down and the field returned to normal, the lesson lingered: courage, curiosity, and community go hand in hand.
Because whether you’re wearing a uniform or purple and gold — it’s always great to be a Wylie Bulldog.
