Combat Logistics Battalion 13 builds camaraderie

Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Matthew D. Riggs, 25, from Broadlands, Ill., president of the mess, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, consumes the beef to determine if it's suitable for consumption during the unit's mess night March 17.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

03.17.2010

Story by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank 

1st Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Marines share a night of building camaraderie through a tradition as old as the Marine Corps itself.

More than 250 Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participated in a mess night here March 17.

"Mess night builds unit cohesion and reinforces that we, as Marines, are different," said 1st Lt. Matthew D. Riggs, president of the mess, CLB-13. "Mess night illustrates the pride we have of our history, which reinforces our desire to maintain our reputation in the present and future."

Mess night is a formal event where Marines share stories, speeches, jokes and make toasts. The ceremony uses similar traditions that have been used in military banquets since the sixth century.

"The Marines get to share a tradition that is older than the Corps itself," said Riggs, 25, from Broadlands, Ill. "They are able to participate in something that is unique to the military profession."

Mess night is lead by the president of the mess, who is appointed by the unit's command. The president of the mess, who must be senior in rank, is responsible for maintaining control over the mess and insuring that everyone has a good time.

"Mess night gives Marines the opportunity to have fun, build camaraderie and interact with everyone in the battalion," said Sgt. Perry A. Edholm, 24, from Long Island, N.Y., intelligence chief, CLB-13.

Throughout the evening, Marines had the opportunity to speak with the president of the mess on an array of Marine Corps related topics ranging from deployment stories to future operations.

"I had a great time tonight meeting with new Marines in the unit," said Pfc. Nellie M. Christopher, 19, from San Diego, operations clerk, Headquarters Company, CLB-13. "I can't wait to attend next year's mess night."

For many Marines and Sailors, this was the first mess night they've experienced. By carrying on the tradition, future Marines will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony and pass it on to others throughout their careers.

"The preservation of traditions such as mess night is more important now than ever before. Today, many Marines spend the majority of their time working behind a computer," said Riggs. "It can be easy for them to forget that they are Marines. Mess night can serve as a powerful reminder that we belong to a special organization."

Nearing the end of the ceremony, Marines and Sailors were given the opportunity to conduct toasts to the conflicts and wars the United States had been involved in and the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces.

Those who have given their lives in battle were not forgotten either as the Marine Corps ceremony was conducted. An inverted dinning set was displayed as a custom to show that those who weren't there physically were present in spirit.

Marines and Sailors departed the ceremony not only as a stronger unit, but also, as individuals who take pride in their heritage and uphold the Marine Corps traditions.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2010
• Date Posted: 03.23.2010 14:49
• Story ID: 47096
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US