Night out

Base and local fire protection, emergency services and law enforcement welcomed Tinker residents to a National Night Out celebration Aug. 3 on base. Oklahoma County deputy sheriffs demonstrated how a mounted patrol can work within a crowd and manage any rowdy situation when needed. Volunteering as a “bad guy” was 72nd Security Forces Squadron Tech. Sgt. John Ater, a trainer/supervisor in the military working dog section. (Air Force photos by Margo Wright)

National Night Out a success

Published Aug. 13, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Children squealed Aug. 3 as they ran through a sprinkler set up by Tinker Fire Department. Others ran to the dunk tank and moon bounce. Their parents watched from picnic tables and their seats at the soccer field, or wandered to the various static displays. It was all part of National Night Out and it was a success.

Hosted by the 72nd Security Forces Squadron and Balfour Beatty Communities, the event celebrated local and state law-enforcement agencies that keep Tinker safe. Roughly 700 people attended the affair.

"We came out to see what was going on," said Capt. Cheryl Conat of the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron. She brought her husband, son and father to the event. "It's awesome."

Airman 1st Class Corey Hayes, of the 552nd Training Squadron, with his friend Airman Danielle Farley, of the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron, said they only learned of the event when they walked by it.

"We saw the bouncy things and the food smelled good," Airman Hayes said. "It's really cool. I really like the Challenger cop car."

There were also demonstrations by the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office horse-mounted patrol, 72nd SFS K-9 unit and University of Oklahoma Medical Airlift Unit, which landed a helicopter.

Pat Stewart, wife of Bob Stewart of the 548th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron, was one of many bystanders who anxiously waited for the helicopter landing.

"Helicopters are my favorite thing. I've just always had an interest in them. They're pretty awesome," she said, standing as close to the taped-off field as she could. "But the horses were amazing. They didn't even flinch."

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also participated in Tinker's National Night Out.

"Tinker's 2010 National Night Out event demonstrated the great teamwork we have with our partners in the local community on and off-base," said Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, 72nd SFS commander. "I couldn't be happier; the event set a new standard for Tinker AFB."