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SAN DIEGO - The holidays can be an upbeat time of the year, but they can also be stressful and sometimes depressing, especially for those who don’t have families nearby.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has a year-round program that is designed specifically for single Marines to get together and build new bonds.
“Many Marines are not able to go home during the holidays to visit their families,” said Kelley Sitar, deputy Semper Fit director. “The program helps build camaraderie amongst the single Marines so that they become each others families and amongst one another, they have a home away from home.”
The Single Marine Program provides opportunities for members to discuss their overall quality of life here on the depot, and doing so lets them plan their own activities that give them a chance to participate in their own community and develop bonds with other service members.
“I am part of the SMP because I have fun participating in all the events that are available,” said Lance Cpl. Tommy Diaz, administrative clerk, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “The people in charge really try to make sure we are having a good time, and there's a variety of things to do from camping to rock climbing to the free movie night.”
The SMP offers chances for its members to get to know people they normally wouldn’t meet by being in their workplace or staying in the barracks. This can give a feeling of having a home away from home.
“I definitely feel that the SMP is a morale booster for those who attend the events,” said Diaz. “It's fun to get together try to have a good time, and the volunteer events feel good to help out the community.”
Giving the Marines a chance to get together both during the holidays and throughout the year can help alleviate the stresses they may have from work or other things.
“The holidays can be stressful for single Marines when they are away from their families,” said Sitar. “But, this is also the time of year when Marines help Marines.”
If there is an SMP representative that knows of another Marine that isn’t planning on going home for the holidays, they invite them to participate in these events, added Sitar.
“I think it can help with holiday stress,” said Diaz. “When we have holiday events we don’t have to worry about having a bunch of Marines off celebrating by themselves. Instead we can get together and share each others company.”
There is a lot more to do in the area in November and December, so the members of the SMP want to do more such as movie nights, ice skating and some even want to help out at soup kitchens, said Sitar.
The program even promotes common Marine Corps skills.
“Each SMP Council elects leaders to serve on the executive council including: president, vice president, scribe and treasurer,” said Sitar. “These positions provide leadership, motivation and accountability to the other council members. They represent the installation at meetings and other working groups on items relevant to single Marines. The executive council also works closely with the SMP Coordinator and the installation sergeant major.”
According to Sitar, the last Wednesday of every month, the SMP Council Meeting is held where command representatives and the SMP council members discuss future and tentative activities. Quality of life issues are also discussed at this time.
The SMP participates in a variety of events like community service, recreation and special events.
Their community service consists of events like Meals on Wheels, toy drives, soup kitchens, Make-A-Wish and Veteran’s Affairs visits.
Members of the SMP participate in recreational events, participate in recreational tournaments and attend professional sports games.
Some events require the members to pay out of pocket, but usually at a discounted price if not free.
The program is advised by the sergeant major of the depot, and supported by the family readiness officers aboard MCRD.
Marines put plenty of effort into helping plan the trips and activities the program participates in, the coordinators plan to give back.
“Shush, it’s a secret, but the SMP is going to leave a stuffed holiday stocking in all the rooms of single Marines that are spending their holidays in the barracks,” said Sitar.
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2011 19:24 |
| Story ID: | 81659 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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