AFA Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter Brings Halloween Hijinks to Offutt

Members of AFA’s Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter and Arnold Air Society’s Earl S. Hoag Squadron, from AFROTC Detachment 470 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, teamed up to support a Trunk or Treat for military families at the Airman Leadership School (ALS) at Offutt Air Force Base on October 28. 

Students in ALS Class 27-A and the 55th Wing Chapel organized the event, which featured a haunted bus, two bounce houses, a sensory-safe trick-or-treating area, over 20 tables indoors and 20 trunks outdoors. Volunteers handed out candy, ran Halloween-themed games, and served free hot dogs and hot chocolate to all who participated.

The two-hour event was the first of three Halloween events at Offutt, providing a safe environment for the children of military members. 

The event also featured a competition for the best-themed table and trunk. AFA Life Member Judy Ireland Canada designed the “Ghastly Garden” table, complete with fanged roses, man-eating plants, sunflowers that watch passersby, black and red creeping foliage, an overworked skeleton gardener, and a talking toad who greeted each trick or treater.  Judy’s well-executed vision won the Best Table Award.

More than 200 military families attended, enjoying food, games and entertainment. Many were having so much fun that they weren’t ready to go home at closing time.

Offutt Air Force Base’s ALS is named in honor of James M. McCoy, the sixth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the first Senior Enlisted Advisor for Strategic Air Command. McCoy was also a longtime Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter member and past chapter president, as well as a past AFA National President and Chairman of the Board.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter has a decades-long relationship with the school through regular engagement and by sponsoring and presenting the Academic Achievement Award to the top-scoring member of each graduating class.