RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph residents can assist with base crime prevention by joining the National Night Out festivities at North Park Street, between the Taj and Parr O' Club, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Since 1984, NNO has educated communities on police programs, crime, drug and fire prevention.
Randolph Family Housing is partnering with security forces, the youth center, the fire department and wing safety to host NNO at Randolph.
Cathy Wiley, Randolph Family Housing community director, shared her excitement for this year's NNO campaign.
"Last year's turnout was over 600 people, so we are anticipating more this year," she said. "We will be providing food, drinks, popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. There will also be a DJ and face painters, courtesy of the Judson High School Galaxies."
She described NNO as the largest event for Randolph residents. At the core of the festivities, Wiley said NNO hopes to see residents come out and get to know each other to promote neighborhood safety.
While Randolph prides itself on being a community-driven installation, Staff Sgt. Edward Grant, 902nd Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge, reminds base residents crime can happen anywhere, even in the most tight-knit communities and neighborhoods.
"The theme for this year's NNO event at Randolph will be 'It Can Happen Here,' which is intended to raise awareness that even though Randolph is a safe place to live, incidents do occur here," including shoplifting, major vehicle accidents and nearby gang activity off base, Grant said.
"But with Randolph AFB being such a tight-knit community, I do believe safety is much easier to promote," Grant said. "A smaller community allows more interaction between neighbors, therefore making residents more aware of their surroundings and anything unusual in their neighborhood."
Wiley added that beyond NNO, which is only once a year, getting to know neighbors and being aware of surroundings should be common community practices.
"Get out and socialize," she said. "Know your neighbors whether you live on base, in a house or in an apartment. You should know the people who live around you."
All who have access to base are welcomed to join the activities dealing with crime prevention to "give criminals a going-away party," as stated on the base flier. The only requirement of attendees is to bring their own chairs.
Residents can access Randolph Family Housing information via Facebook and their monthly newsletter.