MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - More than 900 Marines, sailors and their families gathered to welcome the season’s festivities during the annual Holiday Jubilee celebration at the Goettge Memorial Field House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 4.
The field house was transformed into a winter wonderland, showcasing Christmas trees and decorations, bringing the spirit of the season to the service members of Headquarters and Support Battalion.
“They outdid themselves,” said Sgt. Christal Dunaway a clerk with H&S Bn’s Distribution Management Office. “You can see they put a lot of time and effort into it.”
Participants enjoyed a buffet, craft tables, a photo booth with props, balloon art, face painting, as well as an interactive performance from an entertainer who dazzled crowds with feats on a unicycle, juggling and fire breathing.
“It’s a great way to have the battalion and their families break bread, enjoy some downtime and celebrate the holidays together,” said Lt. Col. Harry L. Gardner, the commanding officer of H&S Bn.
It also served as a way to acquaint families with service members’ military brothers and sisters and for family members to see a bit of the military life through military static displays provided by 2nd Marine Division.
It was an opportunity for members of the battalion community to celebrate the holiday together before traveling to celebrate it with their families.
“(The Holiday Jubilee) gets everybody together to relax and have fun,” said Pvt. Jeremy Hammond, a volunteer at the event and a clerk with Bravo Company. “Celebrating gets people in the mood for the holidays.”
The celebration provided a family-friendly venue to gather with peers and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.
“It’s good to see them come out and enjoy each other’s company,” said Heidi Anastasia, a Marine Corps Community Services coordinator with the battalion. “They had a night out where they didn’t have to cook or think of entertainment; they could just come out and enjoy themselves with their families.”
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