“National Night Out” with SFS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Stamps
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Members of Team Holloman were given the opportunity to see how law enforcers keep order beyond the bars during this year's fourth annual "National Night Out" Aug. 2, sponsored by Soaring Heights Community.

As a way of letting the neighborhood see how the base is kept safe, the 49th SFS demonstrated their squadron's capabilities by giving military working dog demonstrations, combat defense tactic demonstrations, and a weapons display.

The event gave Airmen and their families prevention tips on securing their property and policing one another as well as how to look for suspicious activity.

"One of the things that it does is it gives the community crime and drug prevention awareness," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cesar Villarreal, 49th Security Forces Squadron. "It generates support and participation in local anti-crime programs and it strengthens our bond within the housing community."

Partnering up with 49th SFS, outside agencies such as the United States Customs and Border Protection, Alamogordo Police Department, and Otero County Fire Department attended the event to showcase their support in the fight for a safer community.

"[National Night Out] advises the community of what they need to do to help themselves and the law enforcement personnel in their community," said Villarreal.

Using a Gladiator suit, a helmet used to protect an "attacker," members from the 49th SFS performed self-defense techniques. Preventative measures, such as finger-printing identification cards, were also issued to all children who attended.

To close the event, Soaring Heights gave away prizes to base residents, including a 50-inch plasma T.V., an Apple i-pad, and a Playstation 3.

"The overall family atmosphere was amazing and the children had a lot of fun," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cortney Maynard, 49th Maintenance Squadron. "There was plenty for them to do."

"[The National Night Out] served as a way for the members of Team Holloman to show they are informed and prepared to protect their community," said Villarreal.