TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – The 552nd Air Control Wing celebrated its annual Boo Bash on October 25, 2024, transforming the campus into a festive Halloween celebration that drew in hundreds of families and volunteers. The event, hosted by the 552nd ACW, featured a Trunk-or-Treat, squadron walkthroughs resembling haunted houses, and various family-friendly activities. Boo Bash provided a safe and entertaining environment for military families to celebrate Halloween while also showcasing the 552nd campus and fostering a sense of community.
"This event is really about the families," said 1st Lt. Kassie Jones, E3 ABM student at the 552nd Training Support Squadron and the project officer for the event. "We want to show them that we care and that they're part of what makes this base a home. Not only do we get to highlight the 552nd, but we're also giving kids a memorable Halloween experience that they'll carry with them as they grow up."
Jones, who had worked on the event the previous year at the squadron level, took on a leadership role in coordinating the Wing-wide event. She emphasized the importance of engaging not just the 552nd but the entire Tinker AFB community.
Boo Bash attracted families, with more than 150 volunteers from across the base coming together to decorate cars for the Trunk-or-Treat, assist with activities, and
ensure the event ran smoothly. "I was terrified to see how it would all come together," said Staff Sgt. Henry Blackburn, a 552nd Maintenance Group isochronal inspection crew chief who led the Trunk-or-Treat portion of the event. "But seeing the kids in their costumes, proud of their candy, and the joy on their parents' faces made it all worth it. There was such a creative energy from everyone involved. One Airman recreated the scene from It with Pennywise in the gutter, it was incredible."
Blackburn praised the efforts of Airmen and local businesses which donated candy to help make the event a success. "It was a perfect example of how the local community supports our military families," he added.
The event also served as a networking opportunity for volunteers and organizers. Jones highlighted the collaboration between different squadrons and the Canadian
Detachment, who participated for the first time this year. "It was great getting to know people across the wing who I wouldn't normally interact with. Boo Bash brought
everyone together," she said.
“This was yet another successful 552 event,” said Col. James Combs, 552 ACW deputy commander. “It was great to see our mission partners who had families out for the fun!”
As the sun set and trick-or-treaters made their final rounds, the overwhelming success of Boo Bash became clear. What started as a nerve-wracking endeavor for organizers became a celebration that exceeded expectations, providing a safe and memorable Halloween for families stationed at the 552 ACW.
"The event exceeded all my expectations," Blackburn said. "We had more kids than anticipated, and everyone had a great time. Most importantly, it was safe and fun for
everyone involved."
With no complaints and plenty of leftover candy, Boo Bash once again solidified its place as a beloved tradition for the 552 ACW community.