INDIANAPOLIS –
‘Spooky’ is a word that could be used to describe the eerily quiet and vacant corridors of the Maj. Gen. Emmett J. Bean Center in Indianapolis immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, but a group of little goblins recently brought back a ton of life to the once-barren halls.
Returning for the first time since 2018, more than 60 students from a nearby childcare center once again poured through the doors of the Bean Center to revive their annual Halloween parade tradition Oct. 31.
There to greet them were more than a dozen tables manned by Bean Center occupants, including the U.S. Army Financial Management Command and Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and candy galore.
“I think I got way more out of it than they did, just seeing the looks and smiles on their faces,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth F. Law, USAFMCOM senior enlisted advisor. “That’s was a great way to start the week off, and I’m sure it will be the highlight of my entire week.”
USAFMCOM’s theme for their table this year was Toy Story, with Col. Paige M. Jennings, USAFMCOM commander, as Hamm; Barry W. Hoffman, USAFMCOM’s deputy to the commander, as Mr. Potato head; Law as Rex; and Mark Burton, USAFCOM director of Operations and Intelligence as Buzz Lightyear.
"You all sure know how to put on an event," said Elizabeth Goff, school leader. "Our families and children have not stopped talking about how much fun they had. We look forward to more partnerships to follow."
The last two years, USAFMCOM leadership took fall treats to the students at the center to limit exposure but still connect with the local community.
The treats for this year’s event were provided by USAFMCOM employees, who volunteered time and money to provide the festive and age-appropriate gifts.
“It’s important we continue to invest in both our community and our children because they are our future,” concluded Law.