Tricks and treats abound for military Families on Halloween

By Mr. Jamesdenton Wyllie (IMCOM)November 8, 2010

Tricks and treats abound for military Families on Halloween
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tricks and treats abound for military Families on Halloween
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tricks and treats abound for military Families on Halloween
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Mike Tarvin, U.S. Army Forces Command chaplain, waits for trick-or-treaters in front of his haunted house during Halloween festivities on Fort McPherson Sunday. Children and Families from throughout Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem enjoyed the cha... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Superheroes, ninjas, princesses and a dark lord of the Sith were among the children and Families who trick-or-treated on the streets of Fort McPherson Sunday, hoping to snag some sugary treats for their night's collection.

"Snickers, licorice, suckers ... you name it, we've got it," said Hertha Larson, wife of Col. Darrel Larson, deputy chief of staff, G-4, First Army, who dressed as a clown and passed out grilled cheese sandwiches in addition to candy.

An annual tradition at Fort McPherson, participants walked throughout various housing areas, including Staff Row - the living quarters for major command officers and NCOs - to ring doorbells and collect candy in a secure environment.

"It's my first time here and I like that it's nice and safe," said Sgt. San-Juanita Washington, geo-spatial analyst, 132nd Engineer Battalion, Fort Gillem, who brought her daughter, Isabella, 2, to the festivities.

"I know that she (Isabella) is having fun."

With the coming of BRAC in 2011, the sweetness of this year's Halloween was tempered by the knowledge that this would be the final of its kind at Fort McPherson.

"I'm sad that it won't be here next year, but I think it's just incredible to be able to participate in the last one," said Larson.

Although event's like this year's trick-or-treating are taking place against the back-drop of combat operations, the overall relevance of such events cannot be denied, said Gen. James D. Thurman, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command.

"It's important for military communities and military Families to allow everyone to celebrate the traditions of our country," said Thurman. "We have to be thankful for these events that give our children and Families something to look forward to."