Single Marine Program offers Marines fun weekend start

Photo By Cpl. Paul S. Martinez | Fireworks light up the sky after a soccer game featuring the Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers at the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif., July 4, 2014. The display began after the game, as the crowd of thousands was leaving the stadium.  

CARSON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.04.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Paul S. Martinez 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

CARSON, Calif. - Approximately 40 Combat Center Marines started their Fourth of July weekend by attending a Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers soccer game at the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif., July 4, 2014.

The trip was made possible by the Combat Center's Single Marine Program, which sponsors monthly trips throughout Southern California for the benefit of service members seeking recreation.
“We have certain partnerships with different organizations,” said Lovetta Scipio, program coordinator, SMP. “They love to find ways to provide for the military.”

A convoy of three vehicles rolled out to make the drive to the Los Angeles area, with the Marines anticipating their appearance at the soccer game.

“We were able to fill up three buses of Marines with 40 tickets,” Scipio said. “We just had to provide transportation.”

The Marines were invited to don their dress blue bravo uniforms, or civilian attire featuring Marine Corps emblems and symbols.

Before the game, the Marines wearing their dress blue bravo uniforms presented the American flag on the field, receiving applause and verbal compliments by a crowd of thousands for their appearance. The Marines stood in place as the national anthem played.

Afterward, they joined the crowd in watching the game. After 90 minutes of high-speed soccer, the match ended in a tie score of 2-2.

“It was an honor getting free tickets to the game [and] to be out here,” said Pfc. Daewon Min, student, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School. “I’ve never been to a soccer game so it was a lot of fun.”

The night had one more feature for those at the stadium. An evocative display of fireworks lit the sky as all stood in awe at the traditional celebration for American Independence Day.

“It felt good to be appreciated by the people here,” Min said. “It was my first trip with SMP, but I’ll definitely go again in the future.”
For Min and many of the Marines who participate in SMP activities, getting involved in the program permits a way to have fun and build camaraderie.

“SMP allows us to take our minds off of whatever is happening on base,” Min said. “It’s a break from the barracks and a good feeling. They help keep morale up for junior Marines.”

Trips and recreational competitions, such as ping pong and poker, are scheduled for this summer, according to Scipio.

“[SMP] builds morale by allowing [Marines] to associate with each other,” Scipio said. “[MCCES] students often meet fleet Marines and find a mentor. It builds encouragement and strength amongst the Marines.”

The 5th Street Zone, an SMP facility, is open to all service members aboard the Combat Center. To get involved with monthly trips and activities, visit their building on 5th Street or call 830-4767.

• Date Taken: 07.04.2014
• Date Posted: 07.10.2014 01:01
• Story ID: 135684
• Location: CARSON, CA, US