Photo By Staff Sgt. Laura Gauna | Staff Sgt. Juan Lopez, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with 7th Engineer...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Sweat drips down a young boy’s face as he strains to move in a 70-pound bomb suit. Thirty or so of his fellow team members watch as he tries to pick up a simulated bomb a few inches from his feet. Laughter erupts as he topples over and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marine hoists him up.
The fun did not end there for the Temecula Valley Hawks Soccer Club members visiting 1st Marine Logistics Group Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 13-15, 2016. The boys’ visit included training with drill instructors, an EOD demonstration, shooting in an Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, and a military working dog demonstration.
“It’s great to see how things work behind the scenes,” said Peter Gregory, an assistant director for the Temecula Valley Soccer Club. “I think it puts into perspective what these boys need to know about team spirit. We’ve already seen a big difference in some of our players. They are fully supportive of each other. You certainly see the spirit of the Marine Corps [here] and I think our boys have it too now.”
The players spent three days learning about what it takes to be a Marine. They were first welcomed by drill instructors who, in typical drill instructor fashion, trained the boys in various workouts and later spent one-on-one time sharing Marine Corps values. After their “Marine welcome” the boys spent an afternoon learning about the various vehicles used in 1st MLG, including the 624 KR Tram, M9 Air Combat Element and the 420E Back Hoe. They also had an opportunity to wear the EOD bomb suit, control EOD robots, and learn about the various types of explosive devices the EOD teams encounter while overseas.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Trevor Park, a 14-year-old club member. “It was so fun learning about the Marines and seeing what they do every day. It makes me think about what these Marines were like when they were my age.”
The Marines also instructed the players on how to shoot the M9 Beretta pistol, M16 A4 service rifle and the .50 caliber machine gun. To end their stay, military working dog handlers with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, provided the players with a demonstration of the military working dogs’ tracking skills and take-down capabilities.
When all was said and done, the experience was not only good for the players but the Marines were also able to take something away as well.
“We wanted to be able to share what we know with these guys,” said Lance Cpl. Levi Misenhimer, a heavy equipment operator with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st MLG. “I’m glad we came out and I hope we gave them an experience of a lifetime. I know we had fun being out here.”
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.18.2016 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 189172 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 395 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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