Kadena 'dresses up' for Halloween festivities Published Oct. 17, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Halloween is quickly approaching, and this year, the 18th Wing is hosting a trick-or-treating event Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Kadena Housing areas. With the night of costumes and candy coming, everyone is reminded that safety is the key. "Safety is everyone's responsibility," said Tech. Sgt. Peter Stamatakos, police services, "It's a wing effort to ensure it stays a safe and happy Halloween." During the festivities, base housing area speed limits will be reduced to 15 kph for additional safety. "Security forces personnel will patrol base housing in vehicles and on foot to ensure safety," said Senior Master Sgt. Colleen Curl, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management superintendent. The base is also extending its welcome to local Okinawan families who want to participate in the American tradition, but they need to be escorted and sponsored on base. "Okinawa community members are invited to the event, but must be sponsored by a SOFA-status member," said Sergeant Curl. "Visitor passes can be obtained at Gate 1 and Gate 2." In order for the event to be successful, however, Kadena security forces needs 50 volunteers to assist with security and Japanese interpreting. Volunteers are needed to sponsor Okinawans onto the base and will each be assigned four people to escort. Master Sgt. Andre Bellamy, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron's terminal passenger services superintendent, said the Kadena Air Mobility Command passenger terminal plans to scan candy between 7-9:30 p.m., mission permitting. "We're doing our best to ensure the safety of the kids on Okinawa," Sergeant Andre Bellamy said. "We're happy to provide the X-ray service." Some safety tips for trick-or-treaters: · Wearing lightly-colored costumes and bags, and using glow sticks on costumes can help drivers see children around roads more easily. · Children need to be with an adult at all times · Remember to always cross at intersections · Don't eat any candy that looks like it's been opened · Parents should consider pinning a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group · Knives, swords and other accessories to children's costumes should be made from cardboard or other flexible materials. If you would like to volunteer to sponsor local families or to assist with security and would like more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Colleen Curl at 634-7865, Tech. Sgt. Peter Stamatakos at 634-1397 or Airman 1st Class Robin Lasater at 634-7000. In addition to numerous Halloween activities planned by the 18th Force Support Squadron, Kadena's Chapel 3 will host a Harvest Festival from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31. The carnival-like night of games and candy is open to everyone including those who want to wear their Halloween costumes. However, the chaplain asks that children not wear the more gruesome or scary costumes. "It's a fall celebration with lots of candy, fun and games," said Chaplain (Capt.) Kevin Humphrey.