Special agents visit the Russell-Knox building

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (April 25, 2013) -- With eyes wide with wonder and grins of nervous anticipation, scores of secret agents passed through the security checkpoint of the Russell-Knox building aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. around 7:45 a.m. on April 25, 2013. “Look at this.” “What’s that?” “I found something. Daddy, can you open this,” said the special agents as their moms and dads filed them into a morning brief. These agents were children ranging from two-years-old through high school and were participating in a “bring your kid to work day”. In its second year, this event’s theme was “Bring Your Spy Kids To Work” day.“Kids, ask questions,” said Jeffrey Specht, executive director of Air Force Office of Special Investigations. This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to talk about what the parents do at work. [And kids,] “you’ll be surprised how cool your parents really are.”In addition to tours and meals, there were many demonstrations including: weapons, forensic equipment, self defense and K-9 units – sponsored by the Marine Corps – and parachute equipment.One of the AFSOI tours was a walk down the Hall of Heroes, which is a hallway dedicated to AFSOI agents who have given their lives in the line of duty.“This is a reverent place,” explained Terry Phillips, assistant director for counterintelligence. “You’ll see some pictures and stories of [the late agents] lives.”The day was filled with various activities designed to give the children a glimpse of what their parents do for a living.“I’m here to see what my step-mom does for a living,” said Dylan , 15, from Middleburg.“I want him [Dylan] to get the exposure,” said Molly Ply, Dylan’s step-mom and an OSI employee. “It’s important to get that exposure early in high school.At the end of the work day, when the men and women of Russell-Knox return home and embrace their little ones, maybe they will share a new bond, a bond of understanding. Perhaps that understanding will bring appreciation and inspiration to growing minds and hearts. 

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil