Two popular Halloween get togethers drew hundreds of active duty service members, retirees, and children to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Saturday evening.
Halloween mixed with popular music Friday and Saturday nights at Brucker Hall, while blocks away, hayrack rides, a haunted barn, popcorn, games, and pinata-breaking were high on to-do lists at the caisson stables.
The U.S. Army Caisson Platoon began the fun and frights with it’s annual Haunted Barn and Hayride at the caisson barn. The U.S. Army Band’s Downrange amped up the energy later in the evening with Halloween-themed pop music in the group’s Deranged: Old Hollywood House Party.
For Soldiers, make-up and/or costumes were mandatory. Caisson Platoon’s Capt. Mike Callender’s wardrobe included a Mardi Gras-type, multicolored sports jacket.
“This is something that’s just festive, and it’s not scary for the kids,” Callender said of his jacket. “This is a great event for the Fort Myer community and the Soldiers, who get to dress in costume.”
The 2018 version of the haunted barn and hayride was the first for Pfc. Wyatt Hagen. His make up resembled a cross between Batman villain, the Joker, and a zombie.
“I’m having a lot of fun today,” Hagen said. “This is the first time I’ve been here for Halloween. I’m really enjoying it so far.”
Down the street, Brucker Hall was transformed into an old Hollywood concert hall for the Downrange show, which featured music by Linkin Park, Bruno Mars, and the Rolling Stones.
Pentagram Staff Writer Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.