ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Security Forces Squadron and the Family Advocacy Program are hosting several events in October to raise awareness about Crime Prevention and Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
The 28th SFS and FAP are spreading awareness by holding Halloween themed events and a bowling event to try and help people in the local community.
“This is a month where the SFS is raising awareness about potential crimes in the area,” said Capt. Zachary Jarvis, the 28th SFS operations officer. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to connect with the local community and instill trust between them and law enforcement agencies.”
In doing so, the 28th SFS is teaming up with local law enforcement to bolster relationships with the local community using a Halloween theme.
The events hosted by the 28th SFS include the Superhero Crime Prevention Parade, Trunk or Treat, Little Defenders Trick or Treat Festival, Pumpkin Patrol and a weapons display.
28th SFS members and local law enforcement dressed up in Superhero costumes and paraded around base housing handing out candy to children. Trunk or Treat will be held at Camp Lancer and the Pumpkin Patrol is where individuals on base housing will keep an eye on the neighborhood on Halloween night.
Jarvis continued by saying these events gives SFS Airmen a chance to interact with fellow Airmen, civilian law enforcement, families and members of the local community.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month also falls in October. This year, Kimberly Kohler, the Family Advocacy Outreach Manager, decided bowling would be a unique way to bring awareness to the base community.
“It is a month to recognize victims and survivors of domestic violence,” Kohler said. “We are able to help people notice the signs and educate them on the resources they have available.”
One of the many signs of domestic violence is the absence of communication between partners. The staff at FAP bridges this gap by fostering conversation in a safe and friendly environment.
“The bowling event is a great way for us to have communication between individuals who may have been affected by domestic violence,” said Master Sgt. Luis Guillen Diaz, the Mental Health Clinic flight chief assigned to the 28th Medical Group. “A day of bowling and fun will hopefully help people realize we are here to help them.”
The Ellsworth FAP will be hosting the ‘Strike Out Domestic Violence’ bowling event at the Bandit Lanes Bowling Alley, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2017. There will be a guest speaker from Working Against Violence, Inc., and the first 25 participants to register bowl for free.
To register or for further information, please call Kohler at (605)385-3656.