JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Military working dog and Taser demonstrations, emergency vehicle displays, and music and games are among the activities in store for Joint Base San Antonio community residents as JBSA security forces squadrons host National Night Out Oct. 1.
National Night Out, which is observed the first Tuesday of October in Texas, is a unique crime, drug and violence prevention event that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.
“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live, while also providing a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” said Tech. Sgt. Antonio Wiggins, 902nd SFS NCO in charge of operations and police services. “This event has proven year after year to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.”
Lincoln Military Housing headquarters, 407 Dickman Road, will be the site of JBSA-Fort Sam Houston’s National Night Out from 6-8 p.m.
Hosted by the 502nd SFS, the event will feature music by the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own”; a proclamation signing; remarks by Col. Samuel Fiol, 502nd Force Support Group commander; appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog; and a weapons display.
Lincoln Military Housing, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the commissary and Brooke Army Medical Center are among the participating organizations.
The 802nd SFS will host JBSA-Lackland’s National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. in the back yard of the youth center, building 8420.
The event will include music by the Lackland Independent School District Band and Choir; appearances by McGruff, Sparky and Chase from “Paw Patrol” and Sparky; MWD, Taser and explosive ordnance disposal demonstrations; and booths representing the Civil Air Patrol, the 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Office, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and other organizations.
JBSA-Randolph’s National Night Out, hosted by the 902nd SFS, is set for 5-8 p.m. at the Rambler Fitness Center, building 999.
Anthony Trevino, San Antonio Police Department assistant chief, will be guest speaker, and the Randolph High School Band and a disc jockey will provide music.
The event will also feature MWD and Taser demonstrations, a variety of displays and appearances by McGruff and Sparky.
Wiggins called National Night Out a perfect opportunity to meet neighbors and explore different resources that are available. He said it also promotes a long-term relationship between law enforcement and community.
“The benefits derived from National Night Out extend well beyond the one night,” he said.