CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Competing in games, enjoying free food, and spending quality time with friends and family resulted in an afternoon of fun for the Marines, sailors and families of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during a family day event held at the W.P.T. Hill Field here, May 15.
The event was a well-earned break and a way to recognize the sacrifices and hard work the unit’s service members and their families have endured since the increase in the operational tempo of deployment rotations began with the Global War on Terror nearly nine years ago. It was also the largest event of its kind ever organized by the 2nd MLG.
The static displays of military vehicles and aircraft afforded the families to gain a better grasp of what their Marine or sailor does on a day-to-day basis and also presented an opportunity for the group’s leadership to thank family members for their continued support.
“Let’s have a good day of fun and joy with our families,” said Brig. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, the commanding general of the 2nd MLG, during his opening remarks of the day. “I personally thank the families, and all the Marines and sailors for attending the family day.”
The elaborate event was put together by a 200-hundred person working party comprised of Marines, sailors from around the 2nd MLG and civilian organizations like the USO, Red Cross and Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.
In addition to several attractions such as inflatable obstacle courses and a petting zoo for the children, there was also a broad spectrum of athletic events, which included a culminating regimental-level tug of war competition.
Various units from the II Marine Expeditionary Force set up static displays including a M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, a Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle, an MV-22 Osprey and logistics vehicles all in attendance were able to tour throughout the duration of the event.
“It was a great day to have a family day,” explained Lance Cpl. Savannah L. Redman, a postal clerk with Service Company, CLR-27, 2nd MLG, who attended the event with her father, David M. Palmer, a retired soldier who said he really enjoyed it.
“I was surprised by the amount of people in the family day,” continued Redman. “I have gone to many family days before here, but I’ve never seen one of this magnitude with this amount of people.”