Sky-high celebration: 100 CES supports Lakenheath Elementary during military child event
Students and staff at Lakenheath Elementary School experienced a celebration to remember as airmen from RAF Mildenhall’s 100th Civil Engineer Squadron lent a hand — and a crane — during a Month of the Military Child event on April 12.
More than 650 students, teachers and staff gathered outside the school in coordinated purple attire, the official color honoring military children. With the help of a towering crane operated by the 100 CES, the entire school posed for a dramatic aerial group photo — the highlight of the day’s festivities.
Teachers organized classroom activities throughout the week focused on the unique experiences of military children, including frequent moves, deployments, and building new friendships. Friday’s event was the capstone, featuring music, banners, and enthusiastic participation from families and school staff.
The 100 CES played a key role in bringing the moment to life, providing the crane and skilled operators to safely elevate the camera crew for the overhead photo. Airmen remained on site to assist with safety, logistics and crowd coordination.
As the crane rose into the sky, capturing hundreds of joyful faces waving below, it symbolized more than just a school photo — it reflected the close-knit bond between service members and their families, both on and off base.
