Photo By Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos | U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Gates, a ground electronics...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The winter holiday season is traditionally a time of celebration and connection for service members and their families. However, for some Marines and Sailors, it can also be a period marked by isolation and loneliness.
To help counter seasonal depression and discourage unhealthy coping behaviors often associated with the holidays, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group chaplain team sought an alternative to the typical unit holiday gathering. Their goal was to create a meaningful, engaging activity that fostered camaraderie, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose amongst Marines and Sailors.
“The inspiration came from our goal to help Marines and Sailors flourish by finding healthy outlets,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Matson, the 2nd MLG deputy group chaplain. “We want them to have the ability to meet service members with similar interests and experiences, to make meaningful connections while also getting in some physical activity.”
Marines and Sailors with 2nd MLG participated in a morale-building event in partnership with Black Horse Forge, a veteran-run non-profit organization. During the engagement, service members were introduced to foundational blacksmithing skills and gained hands-on experience forging metal under the guidance of experienced instructors.
The 2nd MLG chaplain team selected Black Horse Forge due to the organization’s mission closely aligning with their efforts to support the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of service members. The forge provides a hands-on, physically engaging environment that encourages focus and teamwork, elements that are especially valuable during a season when many Marines and Sailors struggle quietly.
Despite heavy rain and cold weather, the scheduled event continued forward with a mobile blacksmith forge set up in the 2nd Maintenance Battalion compound.
“We like to hammer steel and have fun, but Black Horse Forge is, at its heart, a ministry,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Packnick, a maritime space officer with the National Reconnaissance Office who volunteers regularly for the forge. “Here, service members and veterans can open up while they work, talking with people who genuinely understand what they’ve endured and what they’re facing.”
Packnick explained that the atmosphere of the forge cultivates a sense of brotherhood and shared purpose, an environment where morale strengthens not through formal programming or therapy, but through authentic connection forged at the anvil.
During the morning classes, Marines and Sailors forged knives under careful watch and thorough instruction. Constant chatter and laughter filled the air alongside the sound of steel on steel.
“It’s so easy and tempting these days to isolate ourselves during the holidays with the technology we have now,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matson, “Having events like this is a way to get Marines and Sailors out of their barracks room, but with something they’re genuinely excited to be a part of, not something they’re forced into.”
As the day progressed, many Marines and Sailors found themselves fully immersed in the experience, discovering unexpected motivation in the challenge of the craft.
“I plan to tell all my peers to take part if this event comes back,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Landon Wood, a small arms technician with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment, 2nd MLG. “The individualized mentorship and extra experience were incredibly motivating. It was refreshing to break away from my daily routine and do something I rarely get the chance to experience.”
For Wood, the sense of accomplishment came not only from learning a new skill but from seeing something tangible produced by his own hands. This success reinforced the chaplain team’s belief that hands-on engagement can be a powerful tool for building confidence and connection.
“After seeing how successful this two-day event was, our goal after having Black Horse Forge here is to create something like this on every installation,” said Matson, “You don’t need experience, to be in a specific unit or a specific military occupational specialty to attend, it’d be open to anybody who has an interest.”
As 2nd MLG looks ahead, leaders hope this partnership marks the beginning of a wider effort to bring meaningful, skill-building opportunities to Marines across the Fleet Marine Force. By combining craftsmanship, mentorship, and community, Black Horse Forge and the 2nd MLG chaplain team created an experience that strengthened bonds and offered a healthy outlet during an often-difficult time of year. Through efforts like these, leaders aim to ensure every Marine and Sailor feels supported, valued, and equipped to thrive, both in uniform and beyond.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2025 15:46 |
| Story ID: | 552890 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, More Than a Forge: A Ministry for Active-Duty Service Members, by Cpl Jessica Mazzamuto, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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