Photo By Richard Kotecki | Marines from U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command play a game of volleyball at the Marine...... read more read more
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NORFOLK - Most people think of Marines as tough, combat ready, hard-charging individuals, not usually moms and dads playing with their kids and young Marines enjoying barbeque with their buddies; but that was exactly what happened at Slade Cutter Park last Friday during the fourth annual OOH-RAH Day Summer Bash.
Marine Corps Community Service sponsored the Headquarters and Service Battalion event, providing the service members and their families an opportunity to unwind with some outdoor activities and chow.
“The overall intent is to give all of the Marines, sailors and civilians in Headquarters and Service Battalion and all of the outlying areas an opportunity to get together, let their hair down a little bit and enjoy some fun, sun and relaxation,” said Col. Paul Ryan, commanding officer, HQSVBN. “We’ve got to give folks an opportunity to decompress and share in some camaraderie and keep ourselves rejuvenated and inspired.”
The carnival-style event featured a myriad of activities like bouncy houses, carnival games, water balloon and egg tossing games along with face painting and dance demonstrations for children.
“Rock climbing is the funnest thing I’ve done here.” Said Makale Barnett
A rock wall, speed pitch hitting and a four-man jump trampoline kept a smile on the big kids’ face as well.
Following the adage of “if you cook it, Marines will come,” for lunch everybody was treated to a free summer feast of hotdogs, barbecue chicken, baked beans, potato salad, chips, cookies and soda and tea.
“It’s nice to be out here with my new son, it’s giving me some ideas of what to look forward too when I see the other older children, and the food ain’t half bad either.” Said Cpl. Karl Roberts, a MAGTF planner here at MARFORCOM.
The Hampton Roads area is unique in the fact that the Marine Corps is spread out over several units as opposed to being densely concentrated. MCCS Camp Allen prides itself on its ability to take care Marines from all over the area.
“Even though MCCS Camp Allen is one of the smaller of its kind, our impact and outreach can stand head to head with that of Camp Lejeune or even Camp Pendleton,” said Karina Phillips, deputy director, MCCS Camp Allen. “Our ability to connect with the ten plus commands, offering funding and programs located as far south as Southern Chesapeake and as far North as Williamsburg, sets the standard for all others to emulate.”
The next big event Marines and sailors can look forward to is the annual Regional Field Meet, scheduled for late October.
For more information on MCCS Camp Allen and their upcoming events, visit: www.campallenmccs.com.
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2013 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 112602 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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