Spartan Strong, 3rd Marine Division hosts Jayne Wayne Day for spouses

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Hostutler | Nacole Hullet and Lymsey Hein, both military spouses, help each other put on flak jackets before they get on an Amphibious Assault Vehicle at Range 18 on Camp Hansen, May 1.  

05.08.2009

Story by Pfc. Aaron Hostutler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Dressed in sweat suits and camouflage paint or in full utilities, more than 70 military spouses thought they were ready to tackle the events of the day, but many were surprised after they got a look at what they would actually be doing.

Jayne Wayne Day was hosted by the 3rd Marine Division, May 1, on Camp Hansen to give spouses a better understanding of Marine Corps life.

"We are the Delta Spartans," said Denise Loftesnes, the 3rd Marine Division family readiness officer. "We want our spouses to be Spartan strong and Jayne Wayne Day gives them a chance to see what it takes to be a Marine."

The day started with the spouses observing several static displays including a MK-19 grenade launcher, an M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M-777A2 155mm Lightweight Howitzer.

So far, it seemed the sweat suits would survive the day.

Then, several spouses moved on to Kin Blue, a Marine Corps training area near of Camp Hansen, to participate in land navigation, sniper training and Zodiac rides.

"The Zodiac ride was so much fun," said Mary Loudi, a military spouse. "Getting soaked with the Marines was wonderful."

The spouses knew they would get a little wet but were not prepared for what the Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, were going to put them through.

After pushing the raft in the water and climbing in, the spouses were almost completely soaked, but the Recon Marines ensured the spouses had the full experience of the Okinawan waves.

After teaching the wives various ways to safely ride a Zodiac, it was time to row in. After paddling 40 meters, the spouses were ready to turn the engine back on and make their way back to the beach.

"Today I got a better appreciation for what you guys do," said Heidi Lazo, a Marine spouse who participated in the event.

After the Zodiac ride, the spouses moved on to sniper training with Sgt. Jesse Villanueva, a team leader with Company C, 3rd Recon, who emphasized the importance of conducting Jayne Wayne Day events.

"This gives the wives a better idea of what their husbands do," said Villanueva. "If their husbands said they were going to the range, they would now have some kind of understanding of what that's like."

In addition to teaching the spouses about weapon systems, Marines also explained some of the basics of using camouflage and the importance of blending into your environment.

At Range 18 on Camp Hansen, the spouses were also given the opportunity to ride in an Amphibious Assault Vehicle, participate in a mine detection course and shoot simulated weaponry at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer.

Before they continued with their training, the spouses took a break for a very authentic Marine Corps meal; a Meal-Ready-To-Eat.

"I decided today that MRE's aren't that bad as long as they have chocolate in them," Loudi said.

During lunch, the spouses recovered from their morning and prepared for the afternoon events.

"There were a lot of fun things for the wives to come out to do today," said Lt. Col. Bryan Howlett, the training officer for 3rd Marine Division. "I think it gave them a chance to get a better understanding and appreciate what their husbands do on a daily basis."

As the day ended, there were a lot of tired spouses who gained a renewed sense of pride in the Corps and for those who serve in it.

"I learned a lot about Marines today," Loudi said. "I am proud to be married to a Marine."

• Date Taken: 05.08.2009
• Date Posted: 05.08.2009 01:08
• Story ID: 33350