MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- For most folks, nothing says “Thanksgiving” like a big turkey dinner.
But for Marines at one 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing squadron, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without adding a good five-mile hike, some flag football, and a chance to donate time and charity to those who are facing challenges during the holidays.
Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 had an actioned filled day, hiking, collecting canned goods, enjoying thanksgiving foods and playing football at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 26, 2014.
The Marines began their day with a hike, trekking through the air station ensuring that they remain ready to defend their county at a moment’s notice.
“This morning we did a five-mile hike to let the Marines know that even though we are doing a fun event, there is still time for training,” said Sgt. Westley Kelly, a licensing examiner with MWSS-271.
After hiking, the squadron collected more than 500 canned nonperishable items to donate to charities for families in need.
The goal of the event was to help those in the local community and to show the single Marines that they are a part of a family.
“Today we are participating in a turkey bowl flag football game and food drive to collect food for people in need,” said Kelly. “This is our first time doing a food drive this way and I have a feeling that we will continue to do this because we had a good turnout.”
The food drive compelled the Marines to come together for a single cause, said Kelly. Approximately 120 Marines participated in the event.
The Marines played corn toss, flag football and ate a variety of Thanksgiving foods during the event.
“We put together a Thanksgiving meal for the single Marines in the squadron,” said Kelly. “During the holidays it’s important to help others out. We are giving back to the single Marines by boosting their morale and letting them know that they are not alone.”
Lance Cpl. Greg Seanor, an engineer equipment operator, with MWSS-271said the event was a hit with the Marines.
“This is friendly competition, so everybody gets to come out and have a good time,” he said.
Seanor hopes that by helping people in the community, others will see that just being able to be there for people and caring can make a difference in anyone’s day.
“It leaves a good sense in your mind knowing that at the end of the day you were able to make a difference,” said Seanor.