Combat Center families enjoy community fair

Photo By Cpl. Kate Seiler | Families cheer on their spouses during a beanbag toss game. Other activities included a football toss, an inflatable obstacle course and face painting at the Front Porch Series event Sept. 5, 2014, at Del Valle Field.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

09.10.2014

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

By Cpl. Kate Seiler

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Service members and their families swarmed the field ready to interact with other families. Children eyed the games and waited in line to get their faces painted by volunteers. The Front Porch Series was a family fun event for all to enjoy.

Combat Center families enjoyed a community fair held by Marine Corps Community Services, Sept. 5. Semper Fit provided two graffiti walls for families to write on and decorate. Other activities included a football toss, beanbag toss, an inflatable obstacle course and face painting.

MCCS presented the Front Porch Series, which was created by Bonnie Amos, wife of Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps. It enables families to gather information on the many resources available to them. This series is a social and educational event for Marines, sailors, and family members. The focus is on building a community through volunteerism and community support, while also providing information.

Employees from the Sexual Assault Prevention Response office passed out information about the resources the department provides.

“We are here to raise awareness about the program and our services,” said Deliesse Hitt, coordinator, SAPR. “We’re handing out informational pamphlets with our number on it so everyone has it. We just want everyone to know that we’re here to help out and there is always someone to talk to.”

Marine volunteers raise money during the event to help pay for upcoming unit functions. They served snow cones and popcorn to Combat Center patrons.

“We are fundraising for our Marine Corps ball,” said Cpl. Joseph Castro, infantryman, 7th Marine Regiment. “It brings a lot of people together and we get to meet new people.”

MCCS coordinated the fair in order to provide information about resources the Combat Center offers.

“It’s cool seeing all the families and their kids having fun,” said Pfc. Mitchell Ramon, assault man, 7th Marine Regiment.
Sgt. David Hess, aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, attended with his wife, Ashley and their two sons, David, 2, and Carson, two-months old.

“It’s nice to get out and see what the [Combat Center] community has to offer, especially since we just moved here from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar,” said Ashley Hess.

This event brought service members together, as well as their families. Combat Center families received the event well, as the attendance was high. This event was a success and attendees are anticipating a second fair.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2014
• Date Posted: 09.10.2014 15:12
• Story ID: 141695
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US