“Big Chill” brings holiday cheer to MAG-14 Marines

Photo By Cpl. Unique B. Roberts | Pfc. Jodson B. Graves, a combat photographer with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, participates in a pie eating contest during the Big Chill event at the Roadhouse Dec. 17.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

12.17.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Unique B. Roberts 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - More than 125 Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 14 gathered at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Roadhouse Dec. 17, planning for fun and a chance to eat some delicious food.

The annual MAG-14 Big Chill event brought together Marines and Sailors from all MAG-14 squadrons for a night of food, games and esprit de corps. Planned by the aircraft group’s Marine Corps Community Services and Family Readiness Officer, with food and drinks provided by the Roadhouse and MAG-14 Marine wives, the Big Chill brought together single Marines from all 11 MAG-14 squadrons.

“I do believe the goal was accomplished because it gave us an opportunity to meet and interact with our fellow Marines within the MAG and not just the ones we see on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Joshua L. Jones, the career planner for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4.

Marines in attendance feasted on turkey, ham, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes. Home cooked fare is sometimes a rare treat for Marines who call the barracks home, according to Cpl. James Tuthill.

“The dinner was delicious,” said Tuthill, a chemical biological radiological and nuclear defense specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2. “It was good to get some home cooked food for once and the desserts were amazing.”

After the meal, the Marines socialized and played games. There were several contests, including snowman making, Oreo and pie eating, and a competition for the ugliest sweater. Winners received prizes including candy and Marine Corps Exchange gift cards for the holidays.

The event gave MAG-14 Marines a chance to learn about one another and build camaraderie outside normal working hours, Tuthill said. Events like the Big Chill give single Marines a chance to get out of their barracks room and break the monotony of day-to-day operations at Cherry Point, Tuthill said.

“I would love to see more Marines getting involved and showing up to events like this,” said Tuthill.

For more information about future Single Marine Program events, contact your unit SMP representative or visit http://mccscherrypoint.com/programs/single-marines-program/.

• Date Taken: 12.17.2013
• Date Posted: 12.23.2013 12:41
• Story ID: 118597
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US