'The Forgotten' <br> Haunted hangar continues annual Keesler tradition Published Oct. 12, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Hangar 3 is being transformed into a hall of horrors for a Keesler Halloween tradition dating back nearly 25 years. The vacant hangar across from Thomson Hall is the site for "The Forgotten," a Halloween haunted house sponsored by the 335th Training Squadron and the 81st Security Forces Squadron, Oct. 26-31. Hours vary according to the day. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, but the event isn't recommended for young children. Staff Sgt. Chris Freimann, haunted house project officer for the past eight years, said his team of spooky volunteers is pulling out all the stops this year. Freimann is a military training leader in the 335th TRS. "This year, we wanted to outdo anything that's been done here before," Freimann explained. "This is actually the largest haunted house ever provided to Keesler. We have more than 5,000 square feet to work with, allowing for 19 huge rooms with unlimited possibilities. Last year we only had seven rooms." The idea for "The Forgotten" grew from the first walk-through of the facility. "This facility has a lot of history to it since it was built in 1941, the year Keesler came into being," Freimann pointed out. "It's been home to multiple units, aircraft and personnel, all of whom have left their mark on the building. "With its 70 years of history, there are multiple tales of strange noises, and even Airmen who have continued to 'serve' their country," he said. "Previous workers have described strange events taking place, and even the haunted house construction crew has had its own experiences with the ghosts of Air Force past." Freimann said he and his team intend for the haunted hangar to rival well-known Halloween attractions in downtown New Orleans. "Anyone expecting a garden-variety haunted house with 'scares' that aren't very scary are in for a shock," Freimann warned. "It's not the type of event for young children. "We'll post all relevant warnings and every member of the team will be in full radio contact the entire time," said Freimann of the safety precautions in place. "We develop our safety and operations plan based on information shared with us from haunted attractions across the country." Other base agencies are giving the team a hand this year. There's a $2 discount per ticket admission with a bowling receipt from Gaudé Lanes from Oct. 15-31. For more information on the haunted hangar, visit www.Facebook.com/KeeslerHH.