Halloween

(From right to left) Col. Robert Stanley, 341st Missile Wing commander, Col. David Lair, 341st Maintenance Group commander, and Chad Deranger, spouse of Col. Marné Deranger, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, cook hot dogs for hungry trick-or-treaters during the commanders’ Halloween party Oct. 31. In total, more than 500 people attended the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt)

Halloween

Senior Airman Corey Weaver, 819th RED HORSE Squadron airfields technician, holds a trick-or-treater dressed as Iron Man back from his lion-dog Sammy during the commanders’ Halloween party Oct. 31. Attendees of the event had the opportunity to trick-or-treat in the surrounding housing areas while enjoying free food at the Malmstrom commanders and chief master sergeants’ Halloween parties. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt)

Halloween

Lt. Col. Louis Papa, 341st Medical Operations Squadron psychiatrist, and his son, dressed as the Iron Patriot, have fun trick-or-treating together during the commanders’ Halloween party. “The event was the best we’ve seen in over 10 years,” said Papa. “I’ve never seen so many happy kids. It’s great that the command gets involved and their visibility during the event really boosts the morale.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt)

Halloween

Team Malmstrom members catch a ride on the hay wagon from the command chief master sergeants’ Halloween party to the commanders’ party Oct. 31.The wagon offered several staging areas for trick-or-treaters who needed a lift from one party to another. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt)

Heroes, villains join to enjoy Halloween festivities

Published Nov. 7, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Team Malmstrom members celebrated Halloween festivities this year with a hay ride and party hosted by commanders and chief master sgts. Oct. 31.

The event brought more than 500 people from Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Great Falls community together for a night of trick-or-treating and fun. Volunteers, event coordinators and more than 700 hot dogs helped make this holiday one to remember.

"This year turned out great," said Eric Vincent, Outdoor Recreation Center program director and event coordinator. "Each year seems to grow bigger and bigger. Luckily, my predecessors have done a great job putting everything together, so we try to follow the book and keep offering people the best experience possible."

Several staging areas were available for people to take a ride on the ODR hay wagon, which also offered frequent stops at the commanders' and chiefs' homes. According to Vincent, almost everyone in attendance jumped at the chance to get on the wagon.

"People really appreciated the opportunity to do something fun with one another and the kids got a big kick out of the wagon," Vincent said. "Everything ran smooth and it was nice to be a part of this. Even the chiefs brought us chili and hot cocoa, so it turned out really well."

Security forces "pumpkin patrol" members also helped ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. With more than 150 children trick-or-treating with their families, routine patrols around the community helped keep everything organized and the festivities on track. According to event-goers, this was one of Malmstrom's best Halloween parties.

"The event was the best we've seen in over 10 years," said Lt. Col. Louis Papa, Medical Operations Squadron psychiatrist. "I've never seen so many happy kids. It's great that the command gets involved and their visibility during the event really boosts the morale. I am looking forward to next year."

For more information on upcoming events visit www.341fss.com or contact the ODR at 731-3263.