Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Through the eyes of your typical Marine the world of combat vehicles and M-16 A2’s is routine, but to a Marine’s spouse it can be a new and fascinating world.
Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, hosted a Jane Wayne Day event to offer spouses a small taste of what their Marines experience both in garrison and overseas.
“I think it’s an amazing idea. I was very fortunate that my husband told me about it, and I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Christal Barney, a Coastal Carolina Community College student. “For a few hours today I get to know what my husband feels as a Marine.”
Throughout the day, spouses and civilian workers were escorted around the base and received a first-hand look at the different vehicles and weapons systems Marines use on a daily basis.
“This morning, we went around and looked at the vehicles and then we were able to shoot a pistol, M-16 A2 and a shotgun,” said Barney. “This was the first time I ever shot a gun in my life, and I am kind of shaky because it was a little scary at first. It was an awesome experience.”
Barney said firing the weapons, especially the shotgun, was different then she expected, but she got the hang of it after shooting a few rounds.
“I’m not even sure if I hit my target, but I had a lot of fun,” said Barney.
Although other events like static displays and the combat fitness test were held throughout the day, most of the spouses agreed that shooting the weapons was their favorite part of the day.
“Shooting the weapons was a lot of fun, I didn’t think they would be as heavy as they were but it was an adrenaline rush and I enjoyed it,” said Jackeline Nogera, a licensing representative with an insurance company.
The spouses also agreed they would love to attend future Jane Wayne Days so they could once again live a day in the life of their Marines.
“I’ve never been to an event like this. It makes me proud that my husband is a Marine and that I got to do this and see what he does,” said Nogera. “I think they should hold these events more often for the different battalions so other spouses can get a chance to see what their husbands do.”