Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Sgt. Mark A. Ribott speaks with Dorris A. Schewbridge, 83, from Los Altos, Calif., at...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — There's a program set aside on most Marine Corps installations with the main focus of bettering the lives of single service members by providing fun activities for them to participate in.
"The Single Marine Program's mission is to enhance the quality of life and morale for single service members by providing positive and rewarding outlets through recreation, community involvement and dynamic facilities," said Danielle N. West, Single Marine Program coordinator for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The program offers six recreational centers throughout the base where single service members can go relax and have fun in an alcohol and tobacco free environment. The SMP recreational centers offer Marines and sailors a variety of activities to participate in, to include pool tables, electronic gaming systems, computers with Internet and mini movie theaters.
The SMP also offers trips to service members at little to no cost. The program conducts retreats every month in which Marines and sailors can go to a variety of events and locations to include Las Vegas, professional sporting games, white-water rafting and national parks.
"Our goal isn't to make money," said West, 27, from Oceanside, Calif. "SMP charges half the price for one-day trips and a third for the weekend-long ones."
During some of the SMP trips, service members are allowed to explore and visit the destination by themselves and not in a huge group. This gives the Marines and sailors the option to enjoy the areas individually or with friends.
"The Single Marine Program is great because it gives service members the opportunity to participate in activities and do stuff they would've never normally done," said Pfc. Deante L. Fields, disburser with Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 23, from Akron, Ohio. "The program gives Marines the option to get involved by going to new places and meeting different people so they won't have to sit around their barracks room."
Fields participated in an Atlanta trip when he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. During the trip he went to an Atlanta Braves baseball game and toured the city with his friends.
The SMP offers many activities to service members to help them clear their minds and enjoy themselves without having any stress.
"The Single Marine Program is definitely a morale booster," said Lance Cpl. Brandon E. Majers, embarkation specialist with G-3, 1st MLG, 19, from El Paso, Texas. "It allows Marines to take their minds off work so they can kick back, relax and have fun with other single Marines."
Single Marines and Sailors are encouraged to get involved with the SMP by attending monthly meetings in which the program's staff members and unit representatives can discuss quality of life issues, upcoming recreational events and volunteer opportunities.
Single Marines are invited to bring ideas to the next SMP meeting, which will be held Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the 43 Area SMP Recreation Center.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2009 13:46 |
| Story ID: | 38861 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 326 |
| Downloads: | 213 |
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