Fort Hood hosted a "Mock Deployment" for children last week, an event designed to educate our kids on a little of what our Soldiers encounter when they prepare to deploy. I was interested right away and signed up my two boys -- ages ten and seven -- for the event. The kids were encouraged to dress in their best Army or camoflauge summer clothes for the event. Our boys immediately took out their battalion t-shirts and camo shorts and were ready for the day. After a flurry of sunscreen and final preparation, we were on our way. Upon arrival, the boys checked in at the registration desk for their deployment packet ... a backpack full of fun stuff: camo binoculars ("bi-nos" for our experienced kids), dog tags, water bottle, and lots of great booklets and information for them. They were given new identities for the day: PFC Cook, N. and PFC Cook, J. After being assigned to "Echo Platoon," we headed outside so the boys could fall into their formation...