CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. -- Leaders with Supply Management Unit, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hosted a family day at the Goettge Memorial Field House aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 26, 2011.
With a deployment on the horizon in support of International Security Assistance Force operations later this year, the event, one of the unit’s largest to date, served as an opportunity to establish a sense of “Espirit de Corps” among personnel and their families.
In addition to the requisite food and fun found at similar events, the unit provided family and friends with a stand that was manned by two Marine Corps Community Services workers that educated them on the broad spectrum of support resources available to them while their loved one is deployed.
“We wanted families to know about their resources while their spouses were on deployment,” said Warrant Officer Micheal McMahon, storage officer-in-charge for the SMU.
The unit sought the help from outside agencies such as Marine Corps Family Team Building to ensure they met that goal.
“I think we did a good job putting it together,” said McMahon. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves during these events.”
As the morning transitioned to afternoon, crowds of Marines, spouses and children packed the field to enjoy the festivities.
“I’m having a great time here,” said Lance Cpl. Rafeal Gomez, a supply clerk with the SMU. “It’s always good to come out and enjoy ourselves with everyone we work with.”
Along with spending time with familiar faces, Marines and spouses alike met new people in the unit.
“I like coming to these events because I always meet someone new,” said Gomez’s wife. “Military wives have a lot in common and it’s nice to make friends, especially when you’re not from the area.”
Beside Marines and spouses having a good time, children flocked the fields and enjoyed their time at the event.
They played games at several stations such as baseball toss, soccer kick and golfing. As the children finished each station they were given a medal for winning, and on this day, everyone was a winner.
“My son is having more fun than me out here,” said Gomez. “They’re what it’s really all about. My children are the reason I do what I do, and I know many other Marines here would say the same.”
As the Marines and their families sat down to enjoy a bite to eat and children replenished themselves, the unit’s efforts to make families feel welcomed worked, said Gomez.
“I’ve been to some (family day events) before this, but this is the one I’ve enjoyed the most,” he said. “I’m not really into the whole family day thing but I definitely enjoyed this one. It’s changing the way I think of these things.”