Hundreds of Fort Hood residents gathered here at Hood Stadium on Oct. 4 for the annual National Night Out event hosted by Fort Hood Family Housing.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, according to the National City Watch Association. The event, held on the first Tuesday in October in Texas, features a variety of activities designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and build relationships between residents and law enforcement.
In addition to hosting block parties and cookouts, many communities use National Night Out as an opportunity to launch crime prevention initiatives and raise awareness of public safety issues. By coming together for a night of fun and camaraderie, citizens and law enforcement officers can help create safer neighborhoods for everyone, said Col. Chad R. Foster, commander of the Army Garrison of United States at Fort Hood.
“It’s all about the community,” Foster said after emerging from the sinking cabin. “This (National Night Out) brings us together and can allow the community to interact with our first responders, our law enforcement and just each other.”
The event offered children and adults the opportunity to ride in patrol cars and fire trucks and receive stickers from military police and firefighters. Michelle Blair, who has been at Fort Hood for just over a year, said this was her family’s first National Night Out. Blair said it’s great to get out and meet the police at the facility.
The event was a success with a mini train, bounce houses and other inflatables. It gave kids and adults a chance to have fun while meeting the men and women who keep them safe.
“I think it’s pretty awesome because it gives a positive influence and shows that they are actually role models, someone to look up to and to go to if you need help,” Blair said.
Agencies from across the post provided information about their programs and services and the 1st Cavalry Division Band performed.
The event served as an opportunity for law enforcement to come out and meet with family members from Fort Hood and the community at large and spread the message of community involvement, said Lt. Col. Jeremy Prince of the Fort Hood Marshal’s Office. .
“It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together in a positive circumstance,” Prince said. “National Night Out is designed to increase awareness of crime and drug prevention, generate support and participation in local crime prevention efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organizing and that we will fight back.”
