Edwards AFB News

AFOTEC Det. 5 hosts children's Halloween costume party

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Paul Williams
  • AFOTEC Det. 5
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Test and Evaluation Center and Detachment 5 Desert Rats Booster Club showed the importance of family time and support among members by hosting a children's Halloween costume party Oct. 23 at Club Muroc.

Several times each year, the Desert Rats host special occasions and parties for the spouses and family members in the unit.

"The Halloween party gave the children an opportunity to see what their parents do on a daily basis and visit their workplace," said Maj. Doug Kaupa, AFOTEC Det. 5 KC-X test director. "It also gave our Airmen and civilians a break by encouraging the children in fun games, pumpkin decorating and trick or treating in Halloween costumes," 

AFOTEC Det. 5 leadership encourages member participation by giving the children a chance to focus on family time.

"We welcomed the children and spouses with 'witches brew' punch and a 'scary office' with treats and activities," said Col. David Cohen, AFOTEC Det. 5 commander. "We work together as a big family and we need to focus on our greatest resource, our people. Sometimes this means setting up an ice cream sundae station or popcorn machine to keep things entertaining."

Through these types of special events, the team has had the opportunity to develop unique relationships with the family members of the troops assigned to the unit.

"You really get to know the children, seeing them having fun," said Tech. Sgt. Jeraline Gomez, a member of Det. 5 and parent. "It's amazing to see them walk through that door and show the excitement generated from this type of special occasion."

Major Kaupa and his wife, Wendy Kaupa, coordinated the children's Halloween party. The major said he is grateful for the teamwork demonstrated by the members of AFOTEC Det. 5 in support of the event.

"The men and women of the Desert Rats are always helpful in reaching out to the family members of our unit," Major Kaupa said, "They never miss a beat."