KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --
Kirtland is looking forward to a festive and fun-filled Halloween this year, with plenty of activities planned. From Kirtland Youth Program’s Bootastic events to the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Haunted Halloween, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Of course, the capstone event this year will be Trick-or-Treaters going door-to-door throughout base housing from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31—free and open to those with base access.
The 377th Security Forces Squadron will conduct its annual Pumpkin Patrol to keep them safe. According to Senior Airman Damion Johnson, with the 377th Security Forces Squadron, they are taking numerous measures to ensure children stay safe this year.
“We are maximizing police presence to ensure the safety of our children” said Johnson. Security Forces will be doing roving foot patrols of Villages 2-7, including Maxwell, throughout the night. Johnson also said that people should be sure to drive 15 mph or less for the safety of Trick-or-Treaters. SFS will be at the housing village entrances to remind drivers of the 15 mph zones and to watch out for trick-or-treaters as they move between villages.
“Vehicles observed going faster will be stopped” he said.
Parents are also reminded to ensure masks and makeup do not obstruct a child’s vision, and to make sure they are wearing an article of reflective clothing. In addition to this, parents should consider pinning contact information to their children as well.
Additionally, several other spooky activities are taking place on Kirtland toward late October.
The Kirtland Youth Program’s Bootastic takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 and is free and open to members of Team Kirtland. Event organizers have set up several activity’s including carnival-style games, a cakewalk, a haunted house and trunk-or-treat. For more information or to participate contact Youth Programs at 505-853-5437.
Family Advocacy is also getting in on the act with a Playgroup Halloween Party set for Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chapel Annex. For more info on that event, contact Chrisan Smith at 505-853-2522.
The Space and Missile Systems Center will conduct their Haunted Halloween 2018 on Oct. 31 from noon to 4:30 p.m. for active duty members and their families. Candy and assistance with setup and cleanup is needed; contact Senior Airman Travis Austin at travis.austin@us.af.mil for more information or to volunteer.
Kirtland Force Support will be hosting a Harvest Festival on Oct. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Maxwell Child Development Center. There will be apples, pumpkins, fall air and more. Sign your children out of class and bring them to the festival.
Related Kirtland Force Support youth programs this month include everything from a Dia de Los Muertos face painting and sugar skull-making history class, a pumpkin science day, to a zombie game day. These events run through the month of October and specific dates and times can be found online at http://kirtlandforcesupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Oct-2018_Up-Next_web.pdf, or call 505-853-5437 for more information.
On Halloween night, Security Forces will be providing additional measures to prevent and relocate lost children as well, Johnson said. If a child in your group gets separated or lost, “get ahold of the SF group” Johnson said.
The Base Defense Operations Center can be reached at 505-846-7913 if a child gets separated from parents. For emergency police, fire and medical services, call 911 or 505-853-9111. For non-emergency calls, Security Forces can be reached at 505-846-7913.
Be sure to take advantage of a fun, safe and memorable Halloween season this year with all of the events available to team Kirtland.