Photo By Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | Friends and family members of the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 11th Marine...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines blasted targets with direct fire from M777 lightweight Howitzers during a live-fire demonstration for gathered friends and family, Sept. 17.
The direct fire artillery display was just one of many activities guests were invited to participate in during 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment’s Jane Wayne Day where Marines and sailors were given the chance to show their spouses what goes on during a day in the life of a Marine.
“I learned a lot about what my husband does,” said Sharia Miller, wife of Cpl. Orville Miller, maintenance management non-commissioned officer, Headquarters Battery, 1st Bn, 11th Marines. “I was really impressed with some of the information I got back from some of the Marines.”
Jane Wayne Day is intended to give spouses and family members of service members a chance to see what their Marines do, but all family and friends were welcomed to take part in the events and see what life is really like in the Marine Corps.
The day began with Marine Corps Martial Arts Program classes and a mock Combat Fitness Test. The families participated in an ammunition can lift and a maneuver under fire exercise, low crawling and running through a muddy field as they competed for the best score.
Afterward, the families put on flak jackets and Kevlar helmets, boarded 7-ton trucks and headed to the ranges.
At the ranges, the Marines put on a live fire demonstration, blasting targets with 155 mm rounds from Howitzers and M2 .50-caliber and M240B machine guns.
When the demonstration was over, the families marched to another range where they were allowed to fire M4 rifles and learn about some of the weapon systems used by Marines.
“It was kind of cool watching all the wives interact in a way we do on a regular basis,” said Miller. “This event gives them an opportunity to get hands on with what it is we actually do.”
The day ended with the families gathering 11th Marines’ parade deck to share a meal together.
“It’s good to get the families out here so they can meet each other,” said 2nd Lt. Bradford Parr, guns platoon commander, 1st Bn., 11th Marines. “As Marines, we often deploy at short notice, so it’s good to have that family cohesion so they have someone to lean on if they need any assistance while we’re gone.”
Nori Jackson, the family readiness officer for the battalion, said the families were exhausted after spending a day in the life of a Marine, but they learned how hard their Marines work every day.
“I see him actually doing things now, and not just hearing about it,” said Sharia Miller. “I have more information about his job now, and I have a lot more respect for him.”
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2011 18:44 |
| Story ID: | 77269 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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