MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The smell of more than 10 immense grills packed with slow roasting barbecued chicken halves filled Cherry Point airspace May 1 during the New Bern Chamber of Commerce and Military Alliance Committee-hosted Spring Chicken Pickin’ aboard the air station.
The New Bern Military Alliance Committee hosts two Chicken Pickins each year and began the semiannual events in 2007.
“We are honored and proud to do this for our neighbors and Marines,” said Nancy Alexander, presidential-select for the New Bern Military Alliance Committee.
Alexander said the event was a great camaraderie booster and strengthened the bridge between Cherry Point and New Bern.
Approximately 100 Cherry Point Marines, Sailors and civilians aboard the air station partook in free refreshments, games and friendly chitchat before feasting on more than 450 cooked-to-perfection chicken halves.
“This has been awesome,” said Pfc. Abdiel Morales, a personnel clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Installation Personnel Administration Center. “The food was great. I ate way too much of it, but it’s been a lot of fun.”
The weather was sunny and warm at the event’s outset, but a change in winds and sudden rain showers scattered many patrons and forced more under shelters. Like true Marines, those who weren’t too “chicken” stayed to play beanbag toss and get second, third and even fourth helpings.