Halloween at BEAST draws hundreds for family fun

  • Published
  • By Vanessa Adame
  • 37th Training Wing
Joint Base San Antonio, Texas --  

Hundreds of people packed the Joint Base San Antonio Medina Annex on Oct. 26 for the first ever Halloween at BEAST family event hosted by the 37th Training Wing.

“We had a phenomenal turn out for Halloween at BEAST - fun, food, and fright goes a long way to create lasting memories,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, 37th Training Wing command chief. “There were hundreds of families who came together to support and participate. It’s important that our wing has a culture that is caring, professional, and ready at all times. Events like these wouldn’t be so successful, let alone possible, if that wasn’t the case.  It’s what makes Warhawk Nation what it is.”

Children and families donned Halloween costumes while making their rounds trick-or-treating at each squadron’s booth while collecting candy and playing games.  The 737th Training Group, Defense Language Institute English Language Center, the 37th Training Group and Inter-American Air Forces Academy all participated in the event. Booth participants got creative with each set up, some incorporating their mission into their booth’s theme. The 341st Training Squadron who provide training to military working dogs chose the Scooby Doo theme to mimic everyday work life in a fun environment while the IAAFA chose Dia de Los Muertos to represent their culture.

“Events like this are awesome for the community,” said Tech Sgt. Edgardo Sanchez, IAAFA, “We all work together, but it’s nice to see everyone’s faces,” he said.  Kayleigh Greenough, who brought her family to the event agreed, “They’re enjoying all the booths and candy and I’m just enjoying seeing all the families.”

The event featured fun for everyone, with trick-or-treating booths, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and even a haunted hay ride. The idea for the event originated in January as Master Sgt. Michael Powers, 319th Training Squadron, having just relocated to Lackland Air Force Base, commented how creepy the CLAW was. Shortly thereafter, the idea for the haunted hay ride was born and quickly took off with leadership support. “Getting the word out helped so much,” said Master Sgt. Powers, “Thank goodness for strong leadership who backed us up and helped push it out.” MSgt Powers and volunteers with the 319th TRS worked at least three hours a week since June to make the event a possibility. 

“It takes a huge team of volunteers from across the wing, and a lot of preparation, to accomplish these resilience and moral events,” said Blazier. “I couldn’t be more grateful to all who played a part in making it happen and joined us here today. This event will likely set a new Warhawk tradition and be back by popular demand next year.”