Photo Information

A Grizzly Pesticide Applicator sprays pesticide on W.P.T. Hill Field aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 10, 2012, in preparation for the 2nd Marine Logistics Group Family Day. Before every outdoor event, the Preventive Medicine Unit, 2nd MLG, sprays pesticide to rid the area of bugs and insects to create an enjoyable atmosphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)

Photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado

Behind the scenes: family day preparation rids field of pests

14 May 2012 | Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado 2nd Marine Logistics Group

The 2nd Marine Logistics Group got ready to host a slew of Marines and sailors along with families and friends for a family day at W.P.T. Hill Field aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 10.

Sailors with the Preventive Medicine Unit, 2nd MLG, sprayed down the enormous field with pesticide in the early morning in preparation for the event.

Events, such as the family day, are regularly held on the base, but many people never get a chance to see the job these preventive medicine technicians do.

The reason PMU sprays down the field is to rid the field of bugs so families can enjoy the event without being bitten.

The pesticide has been so effective, it is used before all major events in the unit.

“Before we have events outdoors, we schedule a spray down with the unit,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles A. Hill, a preventive medicine technician with PMU. “The spray has done a good job getting rid of most of the bugs in the area.”

Hundreds of family and friends attended the family day. With such a large quantity of people, the majority of the enormous field was used. There were ground element vehicles, helicopters, bouncy houses and food areas spread throughout the grounds.

“Large ceremonies like this are a priority,” Hill said. “When there is an- event this large when the whole unit will be there, we have to make sure we do a good job covering the whole field. It takes a while to do a field the size of [W.P.T. Hill Field].”

Many people will not know the work done by these preventive medicine technicians, but they’re enjoying a bug and insect free environment because of the tireless efforts of the PMU.


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