Naval Air Station Fallon (NASF) Executive Officer Cdr. James Shell presented 21 Drama Club students from Churchill County High School (CCHS) with letters of appreciation (LOA), May 9.

The students were recognized for role-playing victims of an active shooter exercise conducted at the base theater, April 4. The exercise, organized by the NASF Installation Training Team (ITT), was designed to provide real-world training for Naval Security Forces (NSF).

"The realistic environment the drama students set was an invaluable resource for our first responders," said ITT lead for the exercise Master-at-Arms 1st Class Megan Puckett. "Their ability to simulate the life-like chaos of a real event in a training environment sets a tone that is unmatched. It adds a whole new element for our responders to deal with."

Some of the students were involved in a simulated protest outside the installation as part of the drill.

The rest of the students were assigned medical conditions to act out as victims for an active shooter event.

"We have a good working relationship with NASF and it's something that the kids look forward to every year. They love it." said Glen Perazzo, CCHS theater instructor. "During the scenario these kids never break character. It's a wonderful opportunity for the students to contribute to society while doing something they love."

According to Perazzo, NASF and the CCHS Drama Club have worked together on numerous events in the past.

"We've been assisting with these exercises for a long time; from aircraft crashes, a bus and train collision, earthquake drills, active shooter, kidnapping events, and many others," said Perazzo.

Puckett plans to use the team in future training events.

"We have an extreme level of appreciation for what this club does for our mission," said Puckett. "We are looking forward to working with them again."

Shell mentioned that the LOAs were an expression of gratitude for the student volunteers.

"It was my pleasure to take some time out to recognize these students for everything they have contributed to our mission," said Shell. "Their willingness to get involved speaks volumes of the quality of youth we have here in Churchill County."

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