MASS-2 hosts Thanksgiving county fair

Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | Lt. Col. Alison J. MacBain talks to Marines during the Thanksgiving county fair at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Nov. 23. MacBain spoke about the upcoming holidays and the importance of remembering the most important support system available to Marines. “Even though we are far from home, this is a good way to reinforce that we can find support and strength in one another because we are like a family,” she said. MacBain is the commanding officer of Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.23.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Gunton 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA -- Marine Air Support Squadron 2, with the help of the Single Marine Program, held a Thanksgiving county fair for its Marines and families on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Nov. 23.

“This was a great way for us to spend time with the Marines and families,” said Melissa Gates, a Marine spouse and participant. “It’s a great chance to get to know one another, and it helps us show our support.”

Not only did the event provide an opportunity for families to interact, but it also allowed the Marines to show their gratitude for their families.

“It’s a great way to bring the families together and have a fun day,” said Lt. Col. Alison J. MacBain, commanding officer, MASS-2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “It’s important to show our gratefulness to our families because a successful, good year is not possible without their support.”

The Thanksgiving county fair boasted many different games and activities for the entire family, such as football, darts, three-legged races, egg toss, face painting, a bouncy house and a dunk tank.

“The squadron has a lot of deployments and training back-to-back,” said Duane Burk, the family readiness officer for the squadron. “This fair is a good chance to refresh and relax before more training continues.”

Being forward-deployed on Okinawa, many Marines do not have the ability to go home for the holidays, said Sgt. Steven Olson, a radio operator with MASS-2.

“Events like these help ease the weight of missing home because when we all come together we are like one big family,” explained Olson.

Many Marines enjoy being around families because it reminds them of home and helps ease some of the holiday blues, said Sgt. Jesus M. Valle, a motor transport maintenance chief with the squadron.

“When I was a private first class during my first tour on Okinawa, I went to similar events, which are a great way to break the holiday slump that many fall into,” said Valle.

The SMP and Marine Corps Community Services offer many different events during the holiday season, similar to MASS-2’s Thanksgiving county fair, to accommodate service members far from home.

“Even though we are far from home, this is a good way to reinforce that we can find support and strength in one another because we are like a family,” said MacBain.

• Date Taken: 11.23.2011
• Date Posted: 12.01.2011 18:50
• Story ID: 80790
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP