LINKS teaches spouses about Marine Corps ways

Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | Much like a Marine Corps birthday ball tradition, Tara McDonald, left, the most senior Marine Corps spouse at the class, gives the first slice of cake to Anastasia A. Hastie, the youngest spouse, during the closing ceremony of the LINKS for Spouses class March 8. The Marine Corps Ball tradition of the cake being exchanged is a symbolic gesture of the passing on of knowledge and wisdom from the most senior to junior Marine, and the youngest passes the second as a sign of respect.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

03.08.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Military life can be difficult to adjust to even for service members themselves. Fortunately, the Marine Corps provides a service to inform Marines and their families about some of the key knowledge areas for a successful career.

Lifestyles, Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills, otherwise known as LINKS, is a series of classes that provide education on various subjects including how to change duty stations, resources on schools and other important information for spouses, dependents and Marines alike.

“LINKS acts as an introduction to the Marine Corps,” said Elizabeth Wade, a LINKS representative for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. “We give the spouses and dependents some basic understanding of the Marine Corps that their Marines get during boot camp.”

Along with spouses, there are also LINKS courses aboard the air station available for teens, children and even Marines.
“I really wish they had this type of training 12 years ago when I started this journey with my husband,” said Tara McDonald, a spouse who attended a LINKS for Spouses class March 6 through 8. “This three-day course has given me knowledge and resources that will help as a road map for this Marine Corps journey.”

McDonald acknowledged that a military lifestyle is on her horizon for years to come, and the knowledge she now has will add extra support for her marriage.

For more information on LINKS and its programs call 466-5588 or visit http://www.mccscherrypoint.com/links.htm

• Date Taken: 03.08.2012
• Date Posted: 03.22.2012 14:19
• Story ID: 85613
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US