CLB-5 hosts a ‘Families in the field day’

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin | Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, demonstrate Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques as family members watch on during the Families in the Field event at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 11. The purpose of the event was to give family members and friends the chance to experience what Marines do while they are in the field.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

12.11.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - “Mommy, there’s Daddy! I can see him!” A boy screamed as the bus approached its destination. Families have always been on the receiving end, waiting for buses to bring their Marines home. This time they’re the ones riding the bus, heading to the field to visit their loved ones.

Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, hosted a ‘Families in the Field’ event here, Dec. 11. The purpose of the event was to give family members and friends the chance to experience what Marines do while they are in the field.

“Instead of hosting a Jayne Wayne, we decided to actually have the families visit their loved one on an actual field operation,” said Christine Winicki, family readiness officer, CLB-5.

There were various stations for the families to enjoy and learn from. The kids’ favorite was a static display of tactical vehicles. The children seemed very excited when they were told they could get in and explore the massive vehicles. Other stops included weapon stations, where family members were able to get a feel for the M2 .50-caliber machine guns, Mark-19 40 mm grenade launchers, M240B machine guns and M16A4 service rifles, which are all weapon systems used by Marines while deployed. There was also Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstrations for the families to enjoy.

Most Marines were happy to give their loved ones tours around the simulated forward operating base to show how life in the field really is.

“I was glad to have my family out here with me,” said Pfc. Alissa Maxwell, motor transport operator, CLB-5. “It’s a good thing for them to come out and experience and see a lot of the things they’ve had questions about before.”

Although they spent only a few hours in the field, each and every family member got to witness how much work goes into setting up and maintaining FOBs for extended periods of time.

“I think it’s important for families to be able to see what actually goes on when the Marines are away,” said Winicki. “It helps us further appreciate what they do.”

• Date Taken: 12.11.2011
• Date Posted: 12.19.2011 18:29
• Story ID: 81586
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US