Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support welcomed 75 children to Naval Support Activity Philadelphia to participate in the annual Bring Your Children to Work Day program, April 28.

This marks the 21st year of NAVSUP WSS providing the opportunity for Philadelphia children between the ages of eight and 18 to explore the connection between education and the working world.

The day began with a magic show and presentations from Navy officers to get the children energized and excited about the events for the day.

"I am sure most of you wonder what it is your parent or guardian does when they come to work every day," said Capt. Cody Hodges, NAVSUP WSS director of contracting. "Well, today is a great opportunity for you to explore, observe, and learn more about the incredibly important things they do to support the United States Navy."

Lt. Cmdr. Don McIntyre, NAVSUP WSS Common Systems branch head, shared his unique career experience and encouraged the audience to be open to all the opportunities are offered to them throughout their lives.

"If you asked me when I was 12 years old what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I would have said an engineer or a doctor," said McIntyre. "And if you said I think you are going to move to another country, travel all over the world and be a part of the Navy, I would have responded, 'That is not going to happen.' But it did happen, and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made."

For the remainder of the day, NAVSUP WSS partnered with Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support to provide a variety of activities to help children learn about the inner workings of the Navy's and Army's premier supply-chain managers.

This year's program included interactive tours of the static display aircraft on the NAVSUP WSS front lawn and DLA Troop Support's Veterans Medal Works.

Representatives also set up booths from both agencies providing insight on their involvement with Foreign Military Sales, clothing and textiles, medical supplies, construction and equipment, subsistence operations, presidential flag creation and Pennsylvania National Guard vehicles and equipment.

Participants were able to try on uniforms, touch and test equipment, get their faces painted and also fill their passport books with international flag stickers.

The day concluded with children taking the opportunity to go back to their parents' and guardians' workspaces to see and experience firsthand what it is they do on a daily basis to support the military.

NAVSUP WSS's annual Bring Your Children to Work Day event is sponsored by the NAVSUP WSS Command Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee. The EEOAC is comprised of a diverse group of employees with different experiences, goals, and ideas, working together to produce programs and events that enrich the culture and education within NAVSUP WSS.

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.