Photo By Sgt. William Waterstreet | Lance Cpl. Sean Jevicky, a Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron range maintenance...... read more read more
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BIG BEAR, Calif. - At 1 a.m., Jan. 29, nine Marines stood around a campfire in the freezing cold. The only light in the sea of black was the warm glow of the flickering, orange flames. Music filled the chill air at the top of an 8,000 foot mountain. The aroma of pepper steak roasting over the fire drifted on the night breeze as the group laughed and talked the hours away. Most of these Marines had met only the day before, but that would be impossible to tell by looking at them.
This was the scene during the Single Marine Program's Big Bear Mountain snowboarding trip. This was the first SMP experience for many of the Marines who embarked on the trip. The program resides on MCAS Yuma as an underutilized resource for the rest, relaxation and recovery of Marines.
“A lot of Marines shy away from the recreation center, because they think it's just Marines from Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Temporary Assigned Duty and other units not from here who come to the rec center,” said Eric Cabalbag, a recreation assistant with SMP and a native of San Diego. “Not a lot of people know about what we offer.”
SMP just held a dodge ball tournament before the skiing trip and is slated to host a flag football tournament Feb. 29. The SMP recreation center will also be having a Super Bowl party, Feb. 5. In addition, there will be another skiing trip to Flagstaff, Ariz., Feb. 24, and details are being worked out for a possible shuttle once every other weekend for day trips to San Diego.
“We're here for you,” said Cabalbag. “The individual Marine is extremely important. You support (America), so we support you. SMP exists to be a home away from home for Marines.”
“The reason we do these trips is for morale, to help Marines get out and relieve some stress,” said Cabalbag. “The trips provide more freedom to unwind. Marines go through a stressful week, and if you want to release some tension, this takes you out of your workspace and helps you relax.”
There is no excuse for skipping SMP events as most are free, and the ones that aren't are less expensive due to the subsidizing Marine Corps Community Services provide. Even lack of experience did not deter many of the Marines who journeyed to Big Bear Mountain. The majority of those present had never stepped on a board or ski before, but nevertheless hit everything the mountain had to offer.
“It's well worth the money,” said Lance Cpl. Sean Jevicky, a target repairman with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron range maintenance and a native of Huntington Beach, Calif. “The cabins are nice, and the travel is free. It's great to be out with a group of people where there's always someone to hang out with.”
“The trip is calming, soothing and relaxing, except when you're falling,” said Jevicky.
Personally, this mini-vacation through SMP made for one of the best weekends I have experienced since coming to Yuma. I know now that I will be taking a much more active part in SMP, and that this is just the tip of the iceberg for the events I will take part in. I highly recommend the activities provided by the Single Marine Program to anyone who is looking for things to do.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2012 18:34 |
| Story ID: | 83315 |
| Location: | BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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