Fort Cavazos residents turn lights on, crime off during National Night Out

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - The Fort Cavazos Directorate of Emergency Services and Cavalry Family Housing hosted National Night Out Oct. 1 at Phantom Warrior Stadium at Fort Cavazos.

Nearly 1,500 Soldiers and family members came out to participate in the nationwide, annual event that aims to heighten crime-prevention awareness, reinforce neighborhood spirit and strengthen police-community partnerships. In addition to the celebration at Phantom Warrior Stadium, communities participated in National Night Out by turning on their porch lights and spending time with their neighbors to show unity against crime in the community.

"I really love this event," said Lt. Andrew Samarripa, team chief for military police investigations and public affairs officers for the Directorate of Emergency Services. "It's a good way to bring the community together and form a partnership with the community members. We want citizens to simply turn on their porch light, and they're participating in National Night Out. That's kind of how it all got started … was participating by turning on your light and leaving it on so that way it can light up a neighborhood, and it makes crime easier to detect."

Attendees were able to participate in a plethora of activities, including rock climbing, sliding down the giant "fun slide" as well as meeting and speaking with local law enforcement and first responders while learning about the vehicles and equipment.

Samarripa stressed he wants the community to be familiarized with the police, which will allow for better safety.

"We're people too," he said. "Underneath this uniform I have a heart as well. I experience emotions as well, just like anybody else in the world. We want people to be able to come to us, for us to assist them and help them with whatever problems they
may have."

Chris Albus, Cavalry Family Housing project manager, has attended National Night Out at Fort Cavazos since he began working at the installation and said National Night Out brings together Fort Cavazos residents with their first responders.

"We're all about a sense of community, bringing people together for a common purpose in order to build communities at the cul-de-sac level," he said. "If we can do that, we'll give these people friends that they'll have for the rest of their lives."

Ashley Floader, secretary of the Resident Advisory Board, agreed, saying National Night Out is all about helping residents meet each other and put a face to their local first responders.

"We really want (residents) to meet each other, a lot of our MPs because there is definitely a gap between thinking they're the bad guys, or we don't
know how to reach out to them," she said. "This definitely closes that gap. You learn that they're cool people, they're nice people, and they're here for your
best interest.

"I love meeting people from different communities because Fort Cavazos is one of the biggest bases in America," she continued. "We're spread out, and it's nice to find people from each neighborhood, make those connections and build that sense of community. If you missed it this year, definitely come out next year because National Night Out is the place to be, and it's the fun place to be."

To learn more about the National Night Out campaign, visit natw.org.

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