Photo By Kristen Wong | Blanca Salgado, 25, of Chicago, learns martial arts techniques from Sgt. Perry Graham,...... read more read more
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii - “It’s not a race!” cried Cpl. Sam Gonzalez, as his female guests charged through each obstacle, hanging from metal bars and hopping over logs during 3rd Marine Regiment’s Jane Wayne Day Jan. 29.
Gonzalez, a radio operator for the 3rd Marine Regiment, helped more than 40 mothers and spouses get a taste of Marine Corps life. He said he was amazed by their heart and agility.
The event gave the loved ones of the regiment’s Headquarters Company and Combat Assault Company the chance to build camaraderie, according to Ed Hanlon, family readiness officer, 3rd Marine Regiment.
“We wanted to kick off the year with a fun, big event,” Hanlon said.
At 8 a.m., the participants headed to Landing Zone Boondocker, some wearing jeans and a T-shirt, others in more authentic gear.
“I want to see what all the fuss is about,” said Blanca Salgado of Chicago, dressed in her husband’s woodland MARPAT cammies and boots.
After a safety brief, the women were divided into groups, rotating between the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program pit, Combat Convoy Simulator, Amphibious Assault Vehicle rides, the obstacle course, and the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility.
Col. James Bierman, commanding officer, 3rd Marine Regiment, said the unit was very excited to have the ladies “experience what their husbands do on a daily basis.”
Bierman said more than half of the Marines and sailors in the unit are married, and the spouses and children are part of the unit’s family. While at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, participants wore flak jackets, helmets and eye protection. With the help of numerous Marines, they laid flat on black mats and shot targets using M240B machine guns and M4 service rifles.
“I thought I was going to shoot all over the place,” said Ashley Soto of Manchester, Conn. “It’s actually good to see what my husband goes through. It’s harder than I thought.”
This was the first time in 10 years Lisette Rice had ever shot a gun.
“I’m shocked,” Rice said. “I didn’t think I would be composed enough [to shoot].”
But for several women, one of the most challenging stations of
the day was the obstacle course. The participants climbed a series of bars, a wooden wall and hoisted themselves over numerous logs of varying heights. Some participants got a boost up on Marine hands and backs, like Soto, whose husband graciously volunteered to be a step stool as she reached for a high bar.
“You have to motivate yourself,” said Lá Chonda Buchanan of Chicago. “Keep pushing yourself even if you feel yourself getting tired.”
Buchanan was one of the first participants in her group to take on the obstacle course, effortlessly hopping the logs, and climbing the bars with no hesitation.
Shandez Baker of Kailua preferred to slide herself down one log in a
seated position rather than trying to balance-walk. Baker called her
experience “awesome.”
“Got a splinter, gonna take it home,” Baker said with a smile. “It
really shows we need to be fit for this.”
Vicky Ingram, of Bronx, N.Y., called the obstacle course “tiring” and
“a challenge.” She said she enjoyed shooting the most. “It’s nothing like being in their shoes,” Ingram said.
The group ended their day with their choice of a salad or a Meal,
Ready to Eat, though salads were more popular among the Marines’ guests.
Laughter and smiles abounded as individual groups celebrated victories and shared experiences from the day.
“[It’s not] until you’re actually out there do you realize how much hard work and dedication they put out there,” Buchanan said.
The 3rd Marine Regiment held more than 30 events like these last
year and plan to have more this year, including a trip to a macadamia nut farm later this month.
| Date Taken: | 02.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.04.2011 14:45 |
| Story ID: | 64828 |
| Location: | KANEOHE BAY, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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