6/23/2012
By Cpl. Michael Iams, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.- Marines, and their families, gathered together to participate in Security Battalion’s first ever Jane Wayne Day on Camp Pendleton, June 23.
The event was held to give Marine spouses a better understanding of what their significant others do on a daily basis.
“Having an event like this allows spouses an opportunity to see what Marines in Security Battalion do,” said Candace Fuller, the family readiness officer for Security Bn. “This is a fun family event that will help give a better understanding of what goes on when their husbands go to work.”
Civilians do not usually get an opportunity to participate in activities like this. It was a successful turnout because of the support of the Marines from Security Bn. and in attendance were about 15 spouses and loved ones, she added.
“This event is incredibly important for the spouses to be able to see more about the Marine Corps and what their husbands do at work every day,” said Sgt. Maj. Kenneth E. Warren, sergeant major for Security Bn.
Throughout the day, the spouses were able to participate in activities the Marines do on a day-to-day basis, such as detaining and escorting a prisoner, wearing riot gear, learning defensive tactics, getting oleoresin capsicum (also known as pepper spray) sprayed in their faces and seeing a military canine demonstration.
“All the Marines were courteous and helpful in explaining each station and showing us how to do the events,” said Helen Warren, spouse of Sgt. Maj. Kenneth E. Warren. “All of the events are fun and flexible, so I was able to do as much as I wanted to do.”
The spouses also learned about the Special Reaction Team, the weapons they use, how to clear a room, fire various weapons at the Security Bn. Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training room, see the fire department, wear a fire suit, run a hose carry course, and climb the aerial ladder.
“Having an event like this is a great way to increase the relations with the families and the community,” said Cpl. Johnathan A. Morris, the assistant team leader with SRT, Security Bn. “Safety was paramount when setting up these events and each section did a great job putting this together and putting on a show for the spouses while giving thorough information about their section.”
As the event came to an end and lunchtime rolled around, the Marines of Security Bn. taught the spouses about Meals, Ready-to-Eat and how to prepare and eat them.
“The OC spray is probably going to be my most memorable event even though I had a lot of fun shooting at the ISMT,” said Shannon Love, spouse to Sgt. Nicholas P. Love. “I am honored to have had this once in a lifetime chance to participate in this event and now have a newfound respect for my husband and the Marines.”
Together, Col. Gino P. Amoroso, commanding officer of Security Bn., and Sgt. Maj. Kenneth E. Warren presented each spouse with a certificate to congratulate and thank them for coming and participating in the Security Bn. Jane Wayne Day.
“This was a great turnout for our first event,” said Amoroso. “I not only wanted the spouses to have a great time, but also to walk away with a better understanding of what their husbands and Marines do at work.”