GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In the spirit of Halloween, the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy was converted for Ghoulfellow on Oct. 27.
The evening consisted of programs for children, youth and the whole family. The children’s events began first, leading into activities geared more toward the adults.
“Ghoulfellow is our Halloween event,” said 17th Force Support Squadron marketing assistant, Deanna Carter. “There are two parts to it, there is the kid’s carnival with trick or treating, carnival games and a hay ride. Later there is a more adult version, with the Zombie Run and a haunted house.”
These kinds of events are really important for morale. They bring the family together, you get to know your community and get to know your neighbor, but you also get to feel a bit of normal life. For the technical students who are here, it is also a chance for them to volunteer and be a part of something.”
Students from the 312th Training Squadron, 315th TRS and the 316th TRS came out to support and participate in the event. Without volunteers, the event wouldn’t have been possible.
“Participants volunteered to help out, either through the Zombie Run where they are chasing runners trying to grab their flags, or scaring people as they are going through the haunted house,” said Tech Sgt. Gabriel Anderson, 312th Training Squadron instructor. “Friday was set up, Saturday was the event and Sunday is tear down. In total over the three day span 75 students came out to help. I told the students yesterday that without their help we couldn’t have gotten it done.”
For Carter this event was a way to give back to the students, but also to the families that make up Goodfellow.
“I hope that the families know that they are not alone and are really important,” said Carter. “Goodfellow isn’t just focused on the students. We want the families to know that we are here for them too and we support them and we want them to feel like they have a place here. I appreciate this chance to give back to this community that works so hard both day in and day out.”