MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Their faces, covered in camouflage paint. Their bodies, packed tightly into armored vehicles, donning tactical vests and helmets. Their attitude… all smiles.
That was the scene for approximately 40 U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spouses and family members during the Marine Special Operations Support Group Jane Wayne Day at Range F4 and in front of theGoettge Field House here, Sept. 24.
The event presented the ladies with the opportunity to witness and experience various aspects of Marine Corps life, which ranged from the Marine Corps Marital Arts Program to live-fire shooting competitions.
Each event and demonstration focused on giving the participants a better understanding of what their Marine does on a daily basis in the Marine Corps, said Capt. Joshua Bourne, the operations officer for Support Company, MSOSG, MARSOC.
“For example, we chose a portion of the combat fitness test because it’s new to the Marine Corps,” Bourne said. “This way, if their husbands come home and say ‘I have to run this new CFT thing,’ they will know what their husbands are talking about.”
Apparently the Jane Wayne Day served its purpose, as one spouse expressed a new appreciation for her husband’s commitment after running a portion of the CFT.
“I can’t imagine the dedication it takes,” the spouse said. “I knew it was hard, but I didn’t know it was that hard. Running it gave me a whole new appreciation for what my husband does as a Marine.”
Aside from the event’s informative aspects, the Jane Wayne Day facilitated an environment for the spouses and family members to just have fun.
The ladies smiled as Marines painted their faces with camouflage paint. They burst into fits of laughter as MCMAP instructors yelled out taunts in jest, while the participants punched and kicked martial arts pads.
“[Imagine] it’s Friday night, the game is on and your husband’s not talking to you,” said Gunnery Sgt. Daniel P. Schismenos, the operations chief for Support Company, MSOSG, MARSOC. “Hit the bag ladies!”
But according to most participants, the event’s highlight was clearly the shooting competitions. The ladies fired M-16A2 service rifles, M4carbine assault rifles and M9 9mm pistols at paper targets and small balloons.
After each string of fire, they eagerly retrieved their targets and began comparing them to see who the best shooter was. The winners received a water-gun and a certificate of achievement.
“It was exciting,” a spouse said at the event’s end. “My husband has been in the Marine Corps for 15 years and I’ve never participated in a Jane Wayne Day before. I’m so glad I did.”