Barksdale celebrates National Night Out

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Under a 40 - by - 40 foot tent, more than 100 participants and volunteers came out for Barksdale's third annual National Night Out Aug. 3.

National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event and 'America's Night Out Against Crime' which takes place on the first Tuesday of August.

The 2d Security Forces Squadron partnered with The Landings at Barksdale with a goal to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighbor spirit and police community partnerships.

"We want to send a message to criminals letting them know that Barksdale is organized and fighting back," said Senior Airman Barry Richards, 2d Security Forces Squadron crime prevention.

"The Landings at Barksdale started this event for our base residents to show that we are a community just as if there were no gates surrounding us," stated Dreamer Dowden, Landings at Barksdale community manager.

To show the Barksdale Community just that, Team Barksdale united through entertainment and educational activities such as free food, bounce castle, face-painting booth, a water balloon toss, children's finger painting, weapons display and informational demonstrations by security forces, fire department along with Sparky the fire dog, military working dog K- 9 demonstration and crime dog Scruff McGruff.

There were also drawings and prizes given away from the Army and Air Force Exchange store and the Barksdale Enlisted Spouse Group.

"This event not only brings the community together but it offers information to the public about crime prevention tools that are effective in today's society," stated Senior Airman Richards.

"We hope parents and children will take away a positive outlook and reach towards security forces and the fire department and gain friendship throughout the community," stated Ms. Dowden.

The Barksdale community would like to thank the base entities and the local community for participating and donating this year, and look forward to National Night Out 2011.