HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Security Forces Squadron will host a National Night Out event July 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park here to foster an environment of goodwill with the community.
According to the National Night Out website, communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide participate in the annual event.
“It is crucial in today's environment that the police engage with the community in a positive way,” said Staff Sgt. Edward Vera, flight sergeant with the 66 SFS and co-organizer of this year’s event. “This event is the perfect medium for that. Children should be able to grow up at ease that these men and women arm up, train, and ultimately don their badges to serve them.”
The event is open to all with base access.
Activities include an inflatable bounce castle, face painting station, a nerf gun target practice competition and much more. Various civilian and military law enforcement entities will be showcasing their abilities and equipment.
Members of the 66 SFS will also be selling food and drinks during the event. There will be hot dogs, burgers, tacos, various dessert options and refreshments, according to Vera.
Law enforcement officials held the first National Night Out in 1984. The event involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. However, the event soon grew to a celebration beyond just front porch vigils, according to the organization’s website. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
Hanscom began hosting this community event in 2018.
For further information about Hanscom’s National Night Out, contact Staff Sgt. Edward Vera by email at edward.vera@us.af.mil.