MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C -- Family members were able to take a look behind the scenes during an “All Access Pass” event with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, June 5.
The event gave family members an opportunity to see and learn about their Marines’ daily work life, build relationships with the command, meet other families and build camaraderie with the unit.
“A lot of folks do not know what Marines do,” said Lt. Col. Jaime Macias, the squadron’s commanding officer. “This is why we take a full day for this event and months of planning to do it.”
Marines and their family members filled tour buses and crowded around several static displays and aircraft. The distance some family members travelled shows the importance of family support to the squadron, according to Macias.
“It is a great representation,” said the commanding officer. “People from all over the U.S. have come to learn more about their Marines’ life.”
The “All Access Pass” included Combat Fitness Test and Physical Fitness Test demonstrations including the ammo can lift and a practical application of the grenade toss. The groups also toured the squadron, ate Meals Ready to Eat, commonly reffered as MRE’s and observed Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstrations.
“Some of the parents, spouses, relatives and loved ones wonder what we do on a day-to-day basis,” said Staff Sgt. Steven G. Roberts, a radio technician with MWCS-28. “It’s great to have visual aids to show them.”
According to Roberts, the question and answer portion was the highlight of the event. “All Access Pass” gave the squadron’s Marines an opportunity to explain and demonstrate their contributions to MWCS-28 and the Marine Corps, said Roberts.
“It boosts Marines’ morale to have their family present and teach them about the roles they play inside the Marine Corps,” said Roberts.
MWCS-28 belongs to Marine Air Control Group 28 who provides the Marine Air Command Control system Aviation Combat Element Communication, and Unmanned Aerial Systems capability in support of 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force.