First Warrant Officer Social helps strengthen bonds

Photo By Cpl. Andrew Thorburn | A small group of the warrant officer who attended the first Warrant Officer Social hang out at the Combat Center's Officers' Club Pub, Sept. 17.  

UNITED STATES

09.25.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Thorburn 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Warrant officers from all over the Combat Center gathered to foster camaraderie amongst their ranks at the Officers' Club Pub Sept. 17.

Throughout the night, nearly 60 warrant officers showed up for a night of fun, food, drinks and music during the first Warrant Officer Social, an event organized by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sandy Alvarez, the deputy director of the Installation Personnel Administration Center here.
Alvarez said she organized the event because she noticed a lack of camaraderie between the warrant officers.

"I have been here for a while and never really met my fellow warrant officers, so I thought of this to let all the warrant officers meet," Alvarez said.

Warrant Officer Brian Walker, an ammunition officer for 1st Supply Battalion, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., said he thinks the reason warrant officers do not get together is because they do not see each other and don't reach out.

Walker explained there are other reasons warrant officers have not been socializing. there are only a few of them, he said. "Often you're the only one from your MOS in your unit," he said. "This is especially true at a busy base like Twentynine Palms where everything is so spread out."

Those who attended appreciated the opportunity to socialize with other Marines who hold their unique ranks and responsibilities.

"I'm excited to be here with all the warrant officers," Walker said. This event helps with morale and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 John Whiting, the gunner for the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group, agreed with Walker.

Whiting explained how this social event was a good thing and long overdue.

"We as chief warrant officers are a different breed and it is good to know what is going on around the base from the other warrant officers," he said.

Due to the success of the event, Alvarez hopes to continue hosting the social at least once per quarter. For more information, call Alvarez at 830-1818.

• Date Taken: 09.25.2009
• Date Posted: 09.25.2009 15:23
• Story ID: 39266
• Location: US