MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.— Spouses and family members of Marines serving with 5th Marine Regiment grew closer to their Marines as they fired machine guns and rappelled down a tower during Jane Wayne Day here, Sept. 28.
Jane Wayne Day is an event that allows spouses and family members to experience what Marines do on a day-to-day basis. Participants were able to shoot machine guns and rifles, rapell down a tower, conduct physical fitness tests, and learn the functions and purposes of various weapons and vehicles.
“I had so much fun at Jane Wayne Day and learned so much,” said Heidi Fisher, Pfc. David Lee’s aunt who participated in Jane Wayne Day. “There were a lot of things that I was unsure I would be able to do, but I eventually completed every event.”
The regiment’s mission for Jayne Wayne Day was to expose the family and spouses of Marines and sailors to a normal day in the Marine Corps so they can build a greater appreciation for what they do when they are training here or deployed in a foreign land.
“It’s crucial for [family members] to know what we do on a daily basis because it shows them why we come home tired, dirty and hungry,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Russell Richardson, the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense officer of 5th Marines. “It gives them information on what we do out here on a daily basis, and it shows how dangerous and fun it can be.”
Jane Wayne Day not only gives the family members of Marines and sailors an idea of basic day-to-day activities, but also gives them a new perspective on the hardships of being in the military.
“It gives me a new found respect for my nephew and for other Marines and sailors,” said Fisher, a Laguna Niguel, Calif., native. “Today has shown me how brave they are, how little they get paid and how most of America live their daily lives in comfort while [Marines and sailors] are doing the things I did today -- but for months on end.”
Without Jane Wayne Day, spouses and family members can only relate to what their Marines and sailors do by hearing stories of their experiences.
“Jane Wayne Day has also shown me that we take the little things for granted, such as eating a warm meal or being able to shower,” Fisher said. “I hope this event continues for years to come so more people can experience what I have today.”