H&HS Marines Go Hard at Squadron Field Meet Jamboree!

Photo By Sgt. Uriel Avendano | Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., took part in a squadron-wide field meet in which all the sections competed in various physical training events to strengthen camaraderie and teamwork at Ramada Field, May 23. A portion of the field meet required the participating Marines to perform 100 ammo can lifts per participating team member. “The hardest part was the sand coming out of the ammo can. It made it hard to see anything,” said Lance Cpl. Paul Crane, an H&HS provost marshal’s office corrections supervisor and a native of Livonia, Mich. “This is great though, getting everyone together, getting some PT (physical training) in. It’s a lot of fun.”  

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

05.30.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Uriel Avendano 

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. - Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., took part in a squadron-wide field meet where all the sections competed in various physical training events to strengthen camaraderie and teamwork, May 28.

“Events like this are great. It’s great for morale and unit camaraderie,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Adelaido Martinez, H&HS installation personnel administration staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge and a native of Monterey Park, Calif. “Especially when the staff NCO’s and officers participate. It motivates the Marines and sets a good example for them.”

The event kicked off shortly after sunrise at Ramada Field with participating sections volunteering kill squads of five to six members for a motivating three mile assault run through the station. Donning their LBV’s (load bearing vests) and bearing their M16A4 service rifles, the Marines pushed through the strenuous combat rush to the next evolution of the day – the maneuver under fire, of which H&HS Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Karl Arbogast was game to take part in.

“It boosts spirits and morale, seeing him get out here performing with us, getting some,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Lilly, a H&HS administrative law clerk/trial services office clerk and a native of Cape Cod, Mass. “It was motivating, seeing SNCO’s and everyone. Makes me want to get stronger, ‘rrah.”

With a strict, mandatory no blouse policy in place, rank took a backseat to overall mission accomplishment, trust and fun. Rubbing elbows with brass and sharing some good natured humor was all on the H&HS agenda.

All together, the Marines took the mix of excitement, enthusiasm and competition in stride through a volley of physical contests which included, but was not limited to, a rally run through the obstacle course, sit-ups, pull-ups and step-ups.

“The hardest part was stepping up and keeping your balance with those ammo cans,” said Cpl. Jonathan Yepez, an H&HS administration clerk and a native of Dallas. “It’s fun, though. It’s a challenge and it shows how competitive Marines are.”

Competing in teams of up to ten, Marines revisited the combat fitness test with an ammo can lift competition. Filled to the brim with rough Yuma desert sand, the ammo cans tested the mettle of individual brawn while reinforcing the importance of unit encouragement.

“Out here, it’s pretty relaxed, can’t see any real rank structure. You’re talking to people, your fellow Marine - Not really tripping up on rank,” said Lance Cpl. Paul Crane, an H&HS provost marshal’s office corrections supervisor and a native of Livonia, Mich. “You’re working as a team, even though some of us do individual work at our jobs - Getting everyone together out here to win something as a goal is pretty cool.”

Camaraderie kept building up, with almost everyone keeping close track of the score as the morning events progressed. Nearing noon, the tire flip contest had IPAC and air traffic control in a close finish for first place.

With two challenges left, the Marines hit their stride in the dizzy izzy. The field was cleared for the whirling sensation of spinning gravity and tumbling, doubled-over Marines looking for their chance at glory. More than anything, it was a good natured exercise in how to have a good time.

“Camaraderie, unity, teamwork,” added Sgt Maj. Michael Montoya, H&HS sergeant major and a native of San Miguel, N.M., “That’s what this is all about.”

The tug-of-war competition was the final leg of what proved to be a day well spent for the squadron. Through it all, ATC came out on top with IPAC coming in second place. For their hard efforts, ATC earned a day off in the near future and a little bit of bragging rights within the squadron.

• Date Taken: 05.30.2013
• Date Posted: 05.30.2013 13:47
• Story ID: 107782
• Location: YUMA, AZ, US
• Hometown: DALLAS, TX, US
• Hometown: HOLLYWOOD, FL, US
• Hometown: LIVONIA, MI, US
• Hometown: MILWAUKEE, WI, US
• Hometown: SAN MIGUEL, NM, US
• Hometown: YUMA, AZ, US