MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marine Corps Community Services hosted its annual Marine Corps Ball Expo, where unit ball committees explored various options at Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune March 15.
As part of a tradition, going on its 241st year, the Marine Corps’ birthday is celebrated annually Nov. 10, where Marines gather in remembrance of the accomplishments of our forefathers.
MCCS has held the expo for five years and continues to aid Marines by connecting vendors, such as photographers, DJs and memorabilia companies, with Marine Corps ball committees from different units to provide an experience unique to each gathering.
The expo allowed members of unit ball committees to plan the Marine Corps ball they want to see. As representatives of their units, they keep in mind what their Marines and families would want.
"For loved ones, they want to be a part of something that is great," said Staff Sgt. Robert Turner, a member of the ball committee from Deployment Processing Command Support Reserve Support Unit-East. "We pride ourselves as Marines, so we want to have a good experience at the Marine Corps ball."
Representatives were able to taste the buffet centered in the Betio Room. Tables draped in white were spread across the room with a sample of the layout for prospective events Marines want to attend on base.
The expo wasn’t only for Marines celebrating their birthday on base.
"We also invited those who don’t have [events] booked on the base because there’s other pieces that could be helpful to them," said Wanda Colwell, MCCS director of clubs and catering. "[We’re] trying to connect with the unit representatives so they can have those resources, that they know the resources are there for them, and we can help them through the process."
Whenever or wherever unit representatives host their Marine Corps ball, MCCS is there to provide assistance with any step toward planning their ideal birthday celebration.