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PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island’s expansion of Family Day kicked off Feb. 1.
The addition of Wednesday to the schedule is intended to educate families on their new Marines’ lifestyle with two informative classes and a tour of Parris Island.
“A couple months ago, the commandant addressed commanders throughout the Corps directing them to look for ways to make our family readiness programs even more robust,” explained Col. Benjamin Blankenship, depot operations officer.
“The expanded Family Day on Parris Island is our way of meeting the commandant’s intent by establishing the foundation for a greater degree of family integration within our Corps,” he added.
The addition was readily embraced by visitors to the depot.
“It was extremely helpful,” said Gary Beckner, a Family Day visitor from Liberty, W. Va. “It’s helping me learn a lot about the Marine Corps.”
Beckner’s son graduated, Feb. 3, and he came to the expanded Family Day to take part in the “Marine Corps 101” class and the tour of the depot.
The “Marine Corps 101” class is now available on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the visitors’ center. The class covers traditions, history and culture of the Corps.
Additionally Wednesday, the depot holds a family orientation brief, scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the lyceum. The brief is intended to familiarize families with the Marine Corps lifestyle and help them know what to expect after Parris Island.
“The goal is to teach family members about the rich history and culture of the Marine Corps, as well as show families what is coming next for their new Marine,” said Ashley Houching, operations officer for local Marine Corps Community Services.
Apart from learning the history and traditions of the Corps, the class and orientation also give information regarding the more than 80 support services offered by MCCS to Marines and their families.
Families are asked to register at the MCCS website to guarantee seating.
“We had more than 100 people show up on Feb. 1,” said Kelly Jones, MCCS marketing technician. “We hope that the success continues, and we keep getting more people to come.”
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2012 13:40 |
| Story ID: | 83593 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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