PORT ST. LUCIE – Nearly 30 kids from Operation 300 suited up in scrubs and got a close-up view of surgical robotics at a recent event hosted by HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
Operation 300 children are those that have lost a parent to a military related death.
The children were also able to speak with hospital leaders and surgeons and have fun with robotics, simulating surgical procedures such as orthopedics, gynecology, and using robotic assisted devices.
Stephanie Quesinberry, Director of Surgical Services at the hospital was at the event and talked about how much the event meant to her personally.
“I started my career in the military as a scrub tech and then transitioned to an RN,” she said. “It’s not only special to me because it’s in the OR (operating room) and I get to show off what I do, but it’s super special cause I was in the navy, and my daughter is actually in boot camp now.”
Adam Baldwin, Director of Marketing and Mentorship for Operation 300, was on hand for the event.
“I’m excited to be here with the kids learning about robotics and being exposed to something a little bit different,” he said. “That’s what we’re all about — bringing children from across the country who have all lost a father or mother in military action, training, or to service-related PTSD suicide. This is a place where they don’t feel like the odd one out. Everyone here shares a similar story and gets the chance to try activities they might have done with their parents.”
Baldwin explained that the attendees traveled from all over the nation. While the group explored the robotics program, their mothers were attending a retreat in West Palm Beach. Each child was paired with a mentor provided by Operation 300, and all travel and activities were covered through the organization and local fundraising.
“We also host military youth camps and programs for children of fallen law enforcement officers,” Baldwin added. “We even hold camps for fathers who have lost sons or daughters in the military. We run six military camps a year, usually with 40–60 participants at each one. We couldn’t do any of it without our amazing community and supporters like this hospital. We’re humbled and honored that people care so deeply about our Gold Star and White Star families.”
According to the Operation 300 website, the organization was founded in honor of SOC (SEAL) Aaron Vaughn, who was killed on Aug. 6, 2011. It provides year-round support for Gold and White Star families and has hosted 66 camps over the last 12 years, each averaging 30–50 military-connected participants.
To learn more about the organization, visit www.operation300.com.