Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program participants took part in a first-time event of pumpkin carving and painting at the Bavaria Arts and Crafts Center, Oct. 16, 2020.

COVID-19 safety mitigation measures are observed, as BOSS program participants wear masks, maintain separate workstations and use readily available hand sanitizers.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program hosted a first-time event of pumpkin carving and painting at the Bavaria Arts and Crafts Center, last Friday on Oct. 16, 2020. Participating Soldiers carved and painted pumpkins, while wearing masks, sanitizing hands and working at properly distanced workstations.

The materials were provided by the USAG Bavaria BOSS program president, Sgt. Grant Healey. He expressed care for single Soldiers, who are away from home, and organized the event to help keep their family traditions alive. According to Sgt. Healey, the event also helped sustain resiliency.

“We try to keep those traditions rolling or teach them knew ones,” said Sgt. Healy. “Some of these guys have never carved pumpkins before.”

Participating Soldiers showed great enthusiasm and gratitude for the program event.

“It gives the chance for actual creativity,” said Pvt. Randall Callahan, BOSS representative for the Maintenance Platoon of 615th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade. “With COVID being around, you can’t really go around and explore anything.”

The Boss team submitted photos of their festive pumpkins to the 2020 Pumpkin Carving Contest, hosted by the USAG Bavaria Family and MWR. If community members wish to participate in the virtual contest, view this link for rules. The contest runs until noon Oct. 31, 2020.

To learn more about USAG Bavaria’s BOSS program and how to join, visit their website and Facebook page.

Editor’s note: Due to Covid-19, it may not be the Halloween everyone is used to, but that does not mean it cannot be fun and enjoyable. Follow this #HalloweenAtTheHouse series for tips, tricks and cultural facts pertinent to USAG Bavaria to make your October 31st spooktacular!