CDC's costumed youngsters prowl Laughlin's streets

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Megan Togni
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Halloween came early to Laughlin Air Force Base's Child Development Center.

The center held its annual costume parade to celebrate the culmination of October's literacy efforts, starting and ending at the CDC after a loop around Ribas-Dominicci Circle.

Throughout the month, the children listened to stories and were then asked to come dressed as their favorite character for a parade. Costumes ranged from dinosaurs, to princesses, and one child even dressed like Evel Knievel.

"She's so daring!" said Center worker Azzie Valles about a girl's costume she thought fit her personality very well.

CDC employee Amada Magallanes said she looked really forward to parent involvement. "It's fun for all the parents to come out!"

Jeff Heisler, 47th Mission Support Group, is one such parent who was there with two of his children. "He was more surprised about everyone going in the parade at the same time," Mr. Heisler said of his son. "He was also excited about all the costumes pointing them out saying 'Oh--Cow! Oh--Fireman!'"

Janet Johnson, who organized the event, said the fun started when the children were getting into their costumes. "Some of the babies were falling asleep before the costumes were even on!" The CDC offers programs organized to stimulate children's natural curiosity and is available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

The parade was supported by the 47th Security Forces Squadron who blocked the streets so the children would not be endangered by busy roads. Tech. Sgt. Jason Winge spoke up saying he was "glad SF could help out," and that the kids were having fun.

The CDC is certified for operation by the Department of Defense and has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. For more information on CDC offerings, please call 298-5419 for enrollment information or reservations. 

"DoD has been proven to have the best child care in America, and our providers show that to be true everyday," said Lt. Col. Steve Browning, deputy commander for the 47th Mission Support Group, owning organization for Laughlin's CDC.