Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Retired Maj. Gen. Michael Sullivan, now a member of the Havelock chapter of the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The smell of pork filled Hancock Lodge as the guests arrived. The volunteer servers peeled back the tinfoil-covered trays and were arranged in buffet line fashion on one side of the room. Outside on the patio service members, both retired and active duty, enjoyed refreshments together while the food was prepared inside. Down the flight of dark wooden stairs to the deck that reside behind the lodge, children happily played with multicolored balloons and bouncy balls while their parents watched and enjoyed the company of their fellow Marines and sailors.
The Havelock Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee hosted its quarterly pig pickin’ at the Cherry Point Hancock Lodge for Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit, and Fleet Readiness Center East, Sept. 27. The committee supplied food and refreshments to the service members to show their gratitude for everything Cherry Point has done for them.
“We do this to take care of our troops, it’s all about them,” said retired Maj. Gen. Micheal Sullivan, a former commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and now a member of the Military Affairs Committee. “I love having the pig pickin’s. They’ve been going on for over 20 years and they’re better now than they’ve ever been.”
“This is a way for the Military Affairs Committee to not only thank the Marines but also the families,” said Stephanie Duncan, a member of the Military Affairs Committee. “Sometimes the families’ contributions are forgotten and this is a way to thank them and it’s the least we can do to give back.”
CNATT brought both instructors and students to the event as a chance for all to socialize with each other and members of the community.
“This has been excellent,” said Sgt. Maj. William Sweet, the CNATT sergeant major. “It’s good food, good company and good fun. It’s good seeing the young Marines interact with retirees, the MAC and their instructors.”
This pig pickin’ is a way for the young Marines to get a feeling of appreciation for what they do from the community, explained Sweet. Something the student Marines haven’t received yet.
“I’ve enjoyed everything,” said Pfc. William Loggins, a CNATT student. “Everything has been great, from the food to meeting everybody.”
The pig pickin’ was an open invitation for not only Marines and Sailors but also for their families.
“It is very enjoyable,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Frechette, a CNATT instructor, while holding his five-month-old son, Jackson. “There’s been great food, weather, friends and family, and this builds on our unit cohesion too. It’s great seeing everybody outside of work.”
“It’s awesome!” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Small, a CNATT instructor, while playing with his 2-year-old son, Koda, who was throwing a balloon sword. “It really brings everyone together.”
The event was open for the guests to come and go as they pleased. After eating dinner many took a walk down to the marina to look at the boats and the water, or enjoyed the fall evening chatting away with family and friends.
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2011 09:19 |
| Story ID: | 78431 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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