Photo By Sgt. Austin Long | Marines enjoy fried fish, French fries, hush puppies and an assortment of beverages at...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Every day, the men and women of the military serve our country without so much as a hand shake and a thank you. Many communities around military bases do their best to give back to their local service members by hosting large scale events and military appreciation days.
Marines aboard Camp Lejeune were given free food and prizes during an annual fish fry hosted by the Military Affairs Committee of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, April 17.
“I’ve always enjoyed doing this and giving back to the military,” said Bucky Stein, a member with the committee since 1956. “I live in Wilmington, but drove to Jacksonville to serve these guys. We rotate through the serving committee so everyone can give their thanks and the distances aren’t so hard on everyone, but when I’m called I come eagerly.”
Throughout the year, the committee visits the base about five times to host a fish fry. Along with the meal, Marines are afforded the opportunity to speak with various vendors who own business in the local area.
“We do about five on base every year. It’s just a way for us to show our appreciation for the Marines,” said Jeff Clark, chairman of the Military Affairs Committee. “We hope they have a great experience and enjoy the food and camaraderie.”
The committee includes civilians, prior service members and even active duty personnel who want to continue giving back to others.
“This is a tradition that’s been going on for more than 30 years,” said retired Col. Bruce Gomber, captain of the fish fry. “I was a captain in (2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment) and we were having fish fries back in '76.”
The annual event began as a simple interaction between civilians in the community and military personal, said Stein.
“When I was first in the committee the groups were smaller and didn’t have the capability to serve this many, this quickly,” said Stein. “When this area was allowed to be fished for oysters, during season we would alternate between oyster roast and fish fries.”
Not only does the committee serve food to the Marines, but every month committee members choose a Marine or Sailor for Service Member of the Month based on commander recommendations during the meeting.
“We do it to show our appreciation to the Marines and what they do for our country,” said Gomber. “It’s a small token that we can do for these service members.”
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2013 15:57 |
| Story ID: | 105500 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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