RAF CROUGHTON, England -- Hundreds of children dressed as ghosts, ghouls and goblins visited residences near RAF Croughton to celebrate Halloween with American personnel Oct. 31, 2022.
Pumpkin patrol volunteers from RAF Croughton worked together with the Ministry of Defence Police, Cherwell District Council, and Thames Valley Police to help promote a safe and good time.
“It’s a great deal of fun in the community,” said Col. Edward Spinelli, 422nd Air Base Group commander, “We’re having a blast handing out candy and teaching kids about Halloween. This has been a lot of fun!”
Local American and multinational military and civilians participated in creating a special night for local community members near Croughton.
Naomi Montague, a local community member, brought her two children to enjoy the festivities. “We come here because people make such an amazing effort, and we all love American candy! It’s just fun for them. We’ve come here for years. We always try to make an effort to get dressed up and get in the spirit.”
Lt. Col. David Marce, 422nd ABG deputy commander, and his spouse, Ann Marce, have been handing out candy to trick-or-treaters for the past few years.
“Halloween is my favorite holiday, hands-down,” said Marce. “The first year I experienced trick or treating here, my wife and I were stunned. The sheer number of our British partners that turn out for trick or treating was jaw dropping. It’s just brilliant to see our host nation community embrace the Halloween tradition, and it’s the kind of event that really highlights what a great relationship we have.”