2nd CEB hosts Jayne Wayne Day

Photo By Staff Sgt. Andy Orozco | Combat engineers with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division set off a wall charge as part of a demonstration for the participants of the battalion's Jane Wayne Day aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 25, 2014. The unit hosted the event for the Marines’ family members, who were able to gain a glimpse into the day-to-day life of their loved ones serving with 2nd CEB. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andy J. Orozco/Released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

10.10.2014

Story by Cpl. Andy Orozco 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Spouses with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division got a taste of what their Marine goes through on a daily basis during the battalion’s Jane Wayne Day aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 25.

Spouses ran a modified Combat Fitness Test, shot the M4 rifle and were shown the different uses and effects of explosives that engineers use on the battlefield. According to 1st Lt. David Keim, 2nd CEB current operations officer, the unit hoped to give spouses a better understanding of what combat engineers do for the Marine Corps.

“The purpose of this event was to give the spouses and family members of our Marines and sailors an opportunity to come out and experience some of the daily tasks that we do and give them a better understanding of what their family members partake in and what their responsibilities are,” said Keim.

Many of the spouses believed the event served not only as a way for them to see what their Marines do, but also as a way to network with other spouses.

“When spouses come out to these events with their husband it’s truly a bonding experience,” said Ashleigh Bryant, a spouse at the the event. “When you have children you really don’t get a lot of that. So even if it’s an event like this, we still get to spend time together.”

During the event, the Marines conducted a breaching charge demonstration and showcased the capabilities of the IRobot PackBot, a device used in the detonation of improvised explosive devices. The unit also showed and received classes on Improvised Explosive Devices and metal detectors.

“This event was a great chance for family members to get a level of comfort with what their spouse does at work, so it doesn’t feel like such a mysterious place,” said Keim.

Bryant also felt that events such as Jane Wayne Day help spouses network and meet new friends. Bryant said she is looking forward to the next Jane Wayne Day not only for the experience but to meet new people.

I’m looking forward to the next Jane Wayne day, but I hope next time I get to shoot some bigger guns and to meet new people because you never know who you’re going to meet, what that person can do for you or how you can benefit them,” said Bryant. “I like meeting new people because you never know where life is going to take you.”

• Date Taken: 10.10.2014
• Date Posted: 10.15.2014 11:00
• Story ID: 145104
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US