National Night Out

Staff Sgt. James Hendel, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, showed Tonkao Lustig (5), daughter of Weena Lustig and Maj. Josef Lustig, 337th Air Control Squadron assistant director of operations, how to operate the EOD robot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel)

National Night Out

Team Tyndall members attend the National Night Out at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, Oct. 2. The event hosted games, free food and entertainment, as well as educational booths to help strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel)

National Night Out

The Florida Highway Patrol attended Tyndall’s National Night Out at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, Oct. 2. With them, they brought their “Buckle Up” simulator which shows families the serious consequences of not wearing a seatbelt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel)

Tyndall's Community Police, Balfour Beatty present National Night Out

Published Oct. 4, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall's Community Police, Balfour Beatty, and several other organizations from the local community hosted National Night Out at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, Oct. 2.

National Night Out is a community driven event that is targeted to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

"The goal is to generate support and participation for local anti-crime and drug prevention programs," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Lingenfelter, 325th Security Forces Squadron Community Police NCO in charge.

National Night Out began with opening comments from Col. William Grund, 325th Mission Support Group commander, and a prayer by Chaplain (Capt.) Gabriel Rios.

The event also included free food, live music and multiple booths with community and base information. Spectators were able to enjoy a K-9 working dog demonstration, bomb robots, and more.

There were also activities for the children to enjoy, such as face painting, a bouncy house and games. The children were also given the chance to ride a Segway and control the explosive ordnance disposal robot.

Local law enforcement and fire department officials, along with Tyndall officials and organizations provided educational booths which aimed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, as well as wild life awareness and vehicle safety.

"There was a very good turnout and there was a lot of participation," said Kathy McCoy, Base Housing capital asset manager. "The kids seemed to have really enjoyed themselves, and there were plenty of organizations represented for the children to learn from."