Photo By Janecze Wright | Patrons check out the then-Fort Cavazos Fire Department’s fire truck as Caitlyn...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas — Army and Air Force Exchange Service celebrated National Safety Month with the “Think Safety First” event June 14, 2025 at then-West Fort Cavazos Express.
The event was a collaboration with then-Fort Cavazos Fire Department and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division to underscore the importance of safety as the Army celebrated 250 years of ensuring the safety of the nation.
“It started off small, with just the fire department teaching the kids,” said Dawn Beirne, Army and Air Force Exchange Service manager at then-Fort Cavazos. “This year, we collaborated with CID because they also have a lot of important information to give out to the families around here.”
Ethan Dodson, special agent, Central Texas Field Office Army CID, helped man a table in front of the shop entrance that offered freebies, informational flyers and interactive props, like handcuffs and a protective vest, to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, he explained.
“Community outreach is one of our big things right now, getting out into the community and working with the people. It’s one of the things that when it doesn’t happen, you notice it,” he said. “We see people, and they see us. It doesn’t work with people just seeing us for the first time on their worst day. We work for this community, so we want to be out there and have people know who we are.”
Sgt. Anthony Garcia, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, who attended with his wife Taylor and their daughter, Nova, 4, echoed the same sentiments.
“Whenever something bad does happen, these are the guys that come to help us when we can’t sustain safety ourselves. It’s really important for the community to see these guys,” he said. “They’re not just hiding away in a station; they’re regular people too.
“Getting to see them,” Anthony continued, “it’s like understanding and letting the kids know that these are the people that are here to help you and not to get nervous when you see them outside of something like this.”
The then-Fort Cavazos Fire Department fire truck was prominently displayed in front of the store, much to the delight of attendees who snapped pictures and selfies of their children in the driver’s seat and explored all the bells and whistles of the shiny red engine.
“We just like fire trucks and cupcakes,” said Heather Haines, a military spouse who attended with her children, Thaddeus, 6, and Teagan, 3. “It’s a fun way for them to learn about (safety), and I feel like learning through memory is the best way for little kids to learn how to be safe.”
The fire truck was a big draw for his family as well, Anthony conveyed.
“We love to always come see our first responders, and Nova gets a kick out of coming to see all these guys, see the car, see the lights and definitely the fire truck,” he said.
Patrons enjoyed cupcakes commemorating the Army’s 250th birthday and making crafts inside the store and playing games like landing a ping pong ball in a cup for prizes outside.
Beirne said the event emphasized the significance of safety and first responders and safety professionals being seen and approachable to foster trust and connect with the community.
“They wear a different uniform, but we want the kids to know that we’re here and it’s okay for them to ask for help from us.”
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2025 14:29 |
| Story ID: | 543138 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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