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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Jackson, a 6-year-old, smiles as Lance Cpl. Yoshio Galindo paints a design on his face during Fall Family Festival hosted by Marine Air Control Squadron 2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 22, 2015. More than 100 Marines, Sailors and family members gathered to kick off the fall season with a chili cook-off and costume contest as well as games, a movie and a bonfire. Galindo is an aircraft maintenance administrative specialist. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)

Photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas

MACS-2 Marines, families welcome autumn with Fall Family Festival

26 Oct 2015 | Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

The cool autumn breeze blew leaves of yellow, orange and brown from the tree tops as the sun began to set over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. More than 100 Marines, Sailors and their families arrived at Marine Air Control Squadron 2’s parade deck for the squadron’s Fall Family Festival, Oct. 22.

As the service members and their families entered the event, they enjoyed free games and contests, bouncy houses, a movie and a bonfire, along with other family-friendly events.

According to Lt. Col. Charles E. Smith, commanding officer of the squadron, events like the Fall Family Festival would not be possible without the Marines who take time to put it together, set up and participate in the event by attending and bringing their families.

The event featured a chili cook-off where Marines from the squadron prepared their best chili recipe and a costume contest where participants were awarded prizes in various categories.

“Events like this where Marines get to come out, cook chili, participate in fun games and enjoy each other’s company tie into our squadron’s family readiness program and are beneficial to the Marines because it builds camaraderie and keeps the Marines in high spirits,” explained Smith. “The event is our squadron’s way of welcoming in the fall season and allowing the Marines and Sailors to come together and interact with their chain of command. This is the command’s way of thanking our Marines for their good work in maintaining our excellent readiness here at MACS-2.”

The Fall Family Festival is just one of the many events the squadron hosts for the service members throughout the year. MACS-2 is a large squadron made up of many sections, so events like the festival help build connections and broaden communications between the service members, explained Smith.

“It is important to have a balance between work and play,” said Smith. “Events like the festival increase camaraderie. Anytime we can meet out of uniform, relax and let our hair down, tell stories and share a meal together, it boosts morale and is a great way to have fun.”

According to Pfc. Cody Harman, a tactical air defense controller with MACS-2, the best part of events like the festival is meeting Marines within the squadron you may never have otherwise met.

“I have been to several events like this with MACS-2 and I always enjoy getting out of uniform, volunteering to help at the events and interacting with Marines and their families,” explained Harman.

The Marines of MACS-2 work tirelessly to keep the squadron mission ready, so when they have the opportunity to get together, learn about each other and de-stress, it rejuvenates them and brings a level of motivation to keep working hard every day, explained Harman.


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point