Afterburners host Halloween party

Photo By Cpl. Terry Haynes | Marines play a game of ping pong at Afterburners during the Single Marine Program Halloween party aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Oct. 27. The Halloween party was held to build camaraderie and foster unit cohesion.  

BEAUFORT , SC, UNITED STATES

10.27.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines of the Tri-Command attended a Halloween party at Afterburners aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on October 27, 2017.
The party was hosted by the Single Marine Program. The SMP provides opportunities and improves the quality of life for single Marines and sailors; SMP books trips and hosts events that help boost morale such as gaming tournaments, Poker and Trivia nights, as well as finding opportunities to volunteer in the local community.
“We wanted to do something nice and festive for the Marines on Halloween,” said Joe Juarez, a volunteer with the Single Marine Program. “This party is a great chance to celebrate a great holiday while showcasing all the great things that the SMP has to offer.”
Halloween is a holiday that is traditionally observed on the 31st of October and has roots in Celtic harvest festivals where ancient people would take part in feasts and rituals that honored their dead ancestors. Today Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, playing pranks and dressing up in costumes.
“I think this party was an awesome idea, I’m having so much fun,” said Lance Cpl. Brett Merall, a cryogenic technician with Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 31. “I recently got here and Halloween is my favorite holiday so it’s really nice to come to somewhere like this, meet new people and celebrate.”
Afterburners celebrated Halloween by decorating the walls with everything from spider webs and string lights to glasses full of eyeballs. Afterburners served food from their kitchen and offered activities ranging from video games and billiards to more Halloween themed events such as a DJ and a costume contest for the Marines.
The SMP has more trips booked in the near future including a “Wreaths Across America” trip to Washington D.C. in December.
“We all love what we do at the Single Marine Program,” said Juarez “The objective of this program is to serve those who serve us, and I think the SMP does a better job than any other organization around.”

• Date Taken: 10.27.2017
• Date Posted: 11.13.2017 12:34
• Story ID: 255141
• Location: BEAUFORT , SC, US