Seventeen spouses, whose Marines are deploying with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, met for a Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills class aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17, 2012. L.I.N.K.S. classes provide Marine spouses with a better understanding of the Marine Corps and the challenges of living a military lifestyle, while building the groundwork for a support system with other spouses.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson

Spouses get down to Marine Corps basics

21 Sep 2012 | Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines make no pretense of being normal. They live in a world with its own language and values. Their last names function as their first names; their clocks have 24 hours instead of twelve; and they have an acronym or phrase for nearly everything.

A Marine’s life can seem like a maze to their families back home, but thanks to the Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills class, their loved ones have access to the map.

Seventeen spouses, whose Marines are deploying with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, took hold of that map during a L.I.N.K.S. class here, Sept. 17.

“It’s about getting the spouses informed so they can be more independent,” said Tracie Newman, the family readiness officer for CLR-2. “They can be an asset to their Marines, and knowledge is power for them.”

They started with the nuts and bolts as the instructors broke down the rank structure, unit organization and traditions of the Marine Corps.

The class then discussed effective communication techniques and financial awareness. The volunteer instructors reviewed common terms used in the Marine Corps and even demonstrated how to read a Leave and Earning Statement, which documents a Marine’s income every month.

The spouses also learned about the benefits they can receive, such as healthcare, education assistance and career planning.

“I think it’s incredibly informative,” said Samantha Taylor, whose husband is a Marine with the regiment. “I had a lot of questions. It can be a challenge dealing with things, such as moving and constantly being ready to reposition your schedule because the Marine Corps needs him at 3:00 in the morning.”

Taylor has been married for less than one year, and her husband is now preparing for deployment. They canceled their large family wedding because of his training schedule.

Dealing with the common challenges associated with moving and the stress of deployment was a focal point for the attendees as CLR-2 is preparing for deployment.

“There are other people in the same boat, and they do share interests,” said Newman, who pointed out that one spouse was married for only two weeks and another for 27 years, but both were drawn together by L.I.N.K.S. “They got to see who is more experienced and who can be a possible mentor.”

Building a sense of teamwork is one of the great benefits of L.I.N.K.S., said Newman. It shows Marines their spouses are an asset to them, and it shows spouses they are an asset to each other.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569