Photo By Sgt. Eric Quintanilla | Sgt. Gabriel Spires, drill instructor, Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion,...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO — On Jan. 27 fathers of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego finally allowed their daughters on a date with a gentleman they approve of, themselves.
This is the fifth year the depot has hosted its Father-Daughter Dance. The Semper Fit Fieldhouse was transformed to meet the theme of Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice for this very special event, giving them a night out they are not likely to forget.
“It’s a time carved out for fathers and daughters to bond, especially if they’re on the drill field,” said Patty Kalaye, Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills Trainer. “We try to make it as much like the Marine Corps Ball as possible by encouraging the wear of dress uniforms.”
The dance sold 170 tickets in advance and continued to sell them at the door for a total of 194 attendees. This is large improvement compared to last year’s 122 guests.
“I have some of my drill instructors here who have really been looking forward to tonight. They’ve had it on their calendars for weeks,” said Lt. Col. Matt Reiley, commanding officer, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. “This means a lot to them.”
More than 100 girls, from 3 months to 19 years old, were dressed up and ready to dance with their fathers. Goody bags filled with candy and bracelets were prepared for the girls as they entered the fieldhouse.
Father’s also had the option to purchase photo packages to help remember their night. The event gave service members the opportunity to spend quality time bonding with their daughters. Music was played throughout the night to encourage dancing.
“I just want to dance,” said Zoey, 5, who picked out one of her favorite dresses to spend time with her dad.
The tables were lined with sweets including cookies, cakes, cotton candy and an ice cream sundae bar to emphasize the night’s theme. The walls and floor were covered with cupcake and lollipop decorations with bright-colored streamers overhead.
“Any event that gives us time with our family is like gold – it’s better than gold,” said Sgt Gabriel Spires, drill instructor, Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.
More than 30 prizes were raffled off throughout the night, including the grand prize of a Magna bike with helmet.
“I was really impressed by the atmosphere,” said Spires, who is expecting another girl in June and is looking forward to bringing both daughters next year.
Although appetizers were served, some fathers took the dance as an opportunity to spend the whole night with their daughters going to dinner before or after, explained Kalaye.
“Being a service member you don’t have the time to do a lot of things like this,” said Cpl. Luis Rosas, supply clerk, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “I’m getting to spend some quality time with my daughters.”
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2012 13:22 |
| Story ID: | 83680 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 884 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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