MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Military spouses experienced life in their service member’s boots during
J. Wayne Day at Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools on Camp
Johnson Oct. 21.
The spouses got the chance to meet other spouses and face challenges
while their Marines supervised and assisted them through each trial.
"This is a unique opportunity," said Renee McLaughlin, a spouse
participant. "This is a chance to meet the other spouses and form the
beginnings of a friendship where we can be there for each other. I also
get the chance to learn what my husband does, because without this I
wouldn’t ever understand what he did and what it feels like."
McLaughlin and the other spouses were transported to each event on a
Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement while dressed in flak jackets and
kevlar helmets, where they spent the duration of the ride speaking to
one another about the difficulties and their understanding of each
event.
"Every single place that we went to has its own unique quality," said
McLaughlin. "The things that we did at those places gave me more respect
for the things that they (military members) do, and I’m really grateful
for being able to attend each and every one."
The spouses participated in a modified Marine combat fitness test,
visited the casualty simulation lab where they applied tourniquets to
practice dummies and shot at the indoor simulated marksmanship trainer.
"I had a good time going through the events and watching my wife
participate and even helping her," said Gunnery Sgt. George Pruitt,
company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company. "I think
today helped spouses understand what their Marine feels like when they
comes home all stressed out and it can help keep families together."
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