Travis EFMP families celebrate Halloween

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Airman and Family Readiness Center at Travis Air Force Base, California hosted its annual Halloween Bash for members of the Exceptional Family Member Program Oct. 14.

Thirty families attended the event, which featured pumpkin decorating, games, movies, face painting, and of course, trick-or-treating.

“We wanted to provide a safe environment for special needs families so they could enjoy Halloween festivities,” said Kevin Hamilton, 60th Force Support Squadron EFMP coordinator.

Hamilton said children with special needs may not react the same way other children would when they experience a variety of sensory stimuli.

“Traditional Halloween settings with strobe lights, loud noises or haunted houses, all those things could set a special needs kid off,” Hamilton said. “It’s important to give them an outlet where they feel safe and they can participate in trick or treating like anyone else.”

And participate they did.

Dozens of children wearing their favorite costumes marched through the hallways of the A&FRC searching for candy. At some locations after saying “trick-or-treat,” instead of receiving a yummy surprise, they were greeted with toys or took part in games.

Smiles covered every child’s face as well as nearly every mom and dad in the building.

“The best part of this event has been watching the kids having fun,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Rainwater, 60th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor and father of two.

Rainwater brought his daughter, Alexus, 5 and son Aiden, 3 to the bash. He said he’s glad he did.

“It’s not often we get to take part in events like this,” he said. “Events like this allow our children to feel normal, to socialize with other children in a safe environment much better than they would otherwise as many events don’t take the time to take special needs into consideration.”

Throughout the two-hour spooky extravaganza nearly 100 members of the Travis community decorated pumpkins, created their own arts and crafts and took turns saying those famous words, “trick-or-treat.”

Fifteen volunteers, including active-duty Airmen and retired service members supported the event. Helping out was extra special for one Airman.

“My older brother is autistic and once I heard about this event, I wanted to be a part of it,” said Airman 1st Class Jasmine Weathers, 60th Inpatient Operations Squadron critical care technician. “It was kind of personal for me.”

Weathers helped nearly 20 children in the Creepy Crafts room where each child created something unique they could take home.

“It was fun and creative,” Weathers said.

Fighting back some tears, Weathers shared an important message for special needs children.  

“I hope every child had a good time and knows that there are people out there that care about them,” she said.

The Air Force EFMP is designed to support military family members with special needs by providing them with medical care, educational resources and other family support as needed. More than 1,000 members of the Travis community are enrolled in the EFMP.

The next EFMP event scheduled at Travis is the Holiday Party set for December 9 at the Delta Breeze Club. For more information about that event or the EFMP in general, contact Hamilton at 707-424-2486.