MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines and sailors at 8th Communications Battalion, spent the day with their children during a "Bring Your Child To Work Day" aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 23, 2015.
“The idea behind this day was to give families an idea of what their Marine is doing on a day-to-day basis,” said Maj. Jacob Venema, the battalion executive officer and a San Antonio, Texas, native. “Now when the children ask their mom or dad where or what they are doing [at work], they have an idea of what he or she is talking about.”
The battalion displayed a few stations for the kids. It not only gave them knowledge on the equipment that their parent uses, but gave them a chance to gain first-hand experience with the equipment.
Some of these stations included weapon system displays, radio demonstrations and a modified combat fitness test for the children to participate in.
“Both of my children really enjoyed the mini CFT and the weapon system display,” said Gunnery Sgt. Steven Poinsette, the deputy family readiness officer with the battalion. “It also gave my children a chance to watch me work and to see some of the equipment that we use.”
II MEF’s major command priority is readiness. 8th Comm. has used this day to further convey that priority.
“8th Comm. Bn’s overall focus goes along four pillars, the Marines, their equipment, the mission and their family,” said Venema. “The fact that we can bring their families in and bolster their understanding of what we do allows for our Marines to have better productivity, which plays a huge role in readiness.”
“Marines are most effective when they know their families are taken care of,” Venema said. “The battalion is very interested in demonstrating there is a sincere care for [the Marines’ families], now the Marines can focus on the mission and do what the Marine Corps requires from them.”