MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Marine spouses laced up their cleats and took to the gridiron during the Committed and Engaged Spouses Support League “Friday Night Lights” Football Tournament aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 28.
The tournament was part of Maj. Gen. Steven Busby’s, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, Committed and Engaged Spouses initiative.
Marine spouses laced up their cleats and took to the gridiron during the Committed and Engaged Spouses Support League “Friday Night Lights” Football Tournament aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 28.
The tournament was part of Maj. Gen. Steven Busby’s, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, Committed and Engaged Spouses initiative.
“A committed and engaged spouse is a spouse who understands the importance of the Marine Corps team, meaning the Marine and spouse understand the importance of supporting the Marine in their endeavors as they serve their nation selflessly,” said Busby. “There is a commitment that they’ve made to the Marine Corps and nation by being a member of a Marine Team.”
Squadrons throughout 3rd MAW established their teams and coaches. Spouses from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., also participated in the tournament demonstrating the true meaning of being committed and engaged.
“Spouses often feel like it’s not their Corps and just to have some type of worth and to show that they do matter and are respected is great,” said Holly Brumage, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 family readiness officer and Marine spouse. “I think it’s going to spread like wildfire.”
The tournament was a team event intended to develop camaraderie among 3rd MAW spouses. Nine teams battled against one another but only one team would hoist the trophy when the final whistle blew. Marine Aircraft Group 16 “Black Widows” faced off against the Marine Air Control Group 38 “Hawks” in the championship game. The Hawks put up a good fight but the Black Widows came out on top winning 6-0.
"It felt amazing winning tonight and just to see everyone all excited," said Brumage. "We're all going to be extremely sore but it was very well worth it."
Busby awarded the Black Widows the CESSL Friday Night Lights trophy and medals.
“I want to thank all the spouses who participated,” said Busby. “You are what we value more than anything, you and your Marine.”