Barracks bash unites MWHS-2 Marines

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki

Date: 07.03.2013
Posted: 07.03.2013 11:12
News ID: 109698
Barracks Bash unites MWHS-2 Marines

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - On the enlisted Marine’s calendar, field day is usually the worst day of the week. Last Thursday, however, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 replaced the drudgery of constant cleaning with a more festive atmosphere.

The barracks Marines of the squadron got together for a Marine Fun Day, eating barbecue chicken and socializing with their peers, relaxing and taking a different tone for a field day.

“Instead of cleaning up and hating life, you’re out there getting free food, free entertainment, you’re around your peers, you get to interact with your staff (noncommissioned officers) on a more personal level, so it brings the whole unit together,” said Cpl. Justine McPeters, the motor transportation chief of the squadron. “It builds that morale and camaraderie that units need in order to function correctly.”

The staff NCOs of the squadron organized the event and brought most of the food while some of the junior Marines set up the party venue in front of the MWHS-2 barracks. Sgt. Maj. Scott D. Grade, the sergeant major of the squadron, said organizing events like this is how the senior leadership is supposed to take care of thier Marines.

“We had a family day and then the CO and I asked, ‘what can we do for the single Marines?’” said Grade. “About two months ago, we came up with a barbecue at the barracks. As staff NCOs, this is what we should be doing for the Marines. They work their tails off for us and we always expect more.”

Also deserving an honorable mention is Joey Haddoc, a civilian who donated and barbecued chicken for the event.

Events like this make the unit feel like an all-inclusive family for new Marines.

“I like it, everyone is really friendly, no one is scared to talk to anyone, it’s like a really tight family,” said Pfc. Kathy Vang, an administrative specialist who first arrived on Cherry Point a month ago. “I’ve never felt left out since I’ve been here and everyone’s so nice, it doesn’t matter what their race, gender or age is, it doesn’t matter.”