Marines

Photo Information

Master Sgt. Mathew McLaughlin, S-4 logistic chief, fireman carries his wife Renee McLaughlin during the J. Wayne Day combat fitness event at Camp Johnson on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 21. J. Wayne Day is a day where military spouses participate in activities representing what their Marines take part in on a constant basis.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez

Family members experience life as Marines

27 Oct 2016 | Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

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."        

More Media