During the Play Day in the Park event, Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander signed a proclamation April 6, officially declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at Edwards. The signing of the proclamation signified Team Edwards’ commitment to raising awareness and preventing child abuse.
Team Edwards came together April 6 to celebrate children and raise awareness about child abuse prevention with the annual Play Day in the Park event, kicking-off Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Month of the Military Child.
Maj. Sarah Baker, 95th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight commander, estimates that more than 700 people attended the event.
“The event was extremely successful in raising awareness about child abuse,” said Baker. “We partnered with a number of organizations on base to make this event so successful.”
Play Day in the Park aimed to provide a family-friendly environment to boost awareness and educate both children and adults about child abuse prevention.
Angela Baylee, Air Force spouse, receives a Shaken Baby Syndrome demonstration while attending Play Day in the Park. After shaking the demonstration doll, red lights flash, indicating where brain damage has occurred. The demonstration played a key role in the Play Day in the Park event, which aimed to raise awareness about child abuse prevention.
The event included activities for children of all ages including bouncy castles, an obstacle course, face painting, a photography booth and even a military working dog demonstration. Throughout the day, children also had the opportunity to play soccer, basketball, horse shoes, volleyball and tug-a-war.
The Air Force Flight Test Center Safety Office was in attendance, teaching children about bike helmet safety and the fire department was also in attendance with a fire engine and Sparky the Dog.
This year’s event included a special ceremony at 3 p.m. when Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“It was great to see Colonel Schwab sign the proclamation,” said Baker. “It’s a public gesture demonstrating that the Edwards community is committed to the cause of preventing child abuse and raising awareness.”
Throughout the Play Day in the Park event, children lined up to have their faces painted. Face painting was just one of the many activities geared for children at the event. The event aimed to provide a family-friendly event where both children and adults could learn about child abuse prevention and celebrate the Month of the Military Child.
Elaine Estacio, 95th MDOS Family Advocacy program manager, played a critical role in organizing the event and was thrilled with the turnout.
“The event was a great success,” said Estacio. “We had great weather and a fantastic turnout. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible.”
After signing the proclamation, officially declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, thanked attendees at the Play Day in the Park event April 6 for their dedication to raising awareness about child abuse prevention.
