2nd Jane Wayne Day Biggest Event of the Year for Family Team Building
Article & photos by David Warden, Marketing
Click HERE to view photos of the event!
Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) recently drew more than 30 spouses, local teachers and others in its second Jane Wayne Day (JWD) at MCMWTC. MCFTB in association with Company Headquarters planned JWD, a valuable venue that provides spouses and other family members a firsthand experience of what life is like for Marines stationed at MCMWTC. Participants learned to rock climb, shoot M-16s, snowshoe and properly don a flack jacket in preparation to transit via BV-206s (track vehicles). Gunnery Sgt. Gray coordinated MCMWTC’s role and was surprised that approximately 50 percent of participants had not previously experienced a JWD.
Barbara Hernandez, responsible for the MCCS and mini LINKS training portion, was enthusiastic about the turnout and explained the impact of this event. “[JWD] gives spouses an understanding of what their Marine is doing up here,” she said. She hoped it would garner more support with the increased knowledge of the environment and be a good learning experience. Hernandez is the interim MCFTB coordinator/family readiness officer.
The day began with half of the group starting at the climbing wall and the other half taking positions at the shooting range on the east side of the barracks. Red hat instructors were present at the climbing wall and several Marines assisted at the range. Some spouses benefitted from their Marine being appointed to assist with the event. Carmen Hernandez’ husband was on hand to assist her with putting on a harness and explain the belaying process for the climbing wall. Not every participant had this luxury. “Rock climbing is a lot harder than it looks,” said Beth Crismon, adding that the climbing wall portion gave an interesting physical aspect of the operating conditions at MCMWTC. Sgt. Martin instructed participants on the proper techniques for handling and shooting the M-16, with Master Sgt. Robertson as the range control officer.
Throughout the event some participants had an opportunity to visit their Marines in their designated workspaces and the family closeness could be felt. This was the case for baby Kayleigh Oseto, who attended the Mess Hall portion of the day with her mom while her dad, Sgt. Oseto (Mess Hall), was responsible for the oversight of meal preparation. Cpl. Rojas, Chief Cook for the event, ate lunch with his wife Estela, first-time JWD participant, who thought the food was great. Ms. Rojas said her husband typically cooks on weekends at their home and said the event gave her a greater appreciation for her husband, who is often tired in the evening after a hard days’ work. Julie Brillenz hadn’t eaten at the Mess Hall prior to Jane Wayne Day and thought it was going to be like old movies where food was slopped on trays for hungry Marines. “I was surprised by the variety and how much food they offer here,” Brillenz said, adding that she was glad she didn’t have to do dishes. The menu consisted of pasta tuscano, garlic bread, veggies and sub sandwiches.
After lunch, the group donned Kevlar jackets and battle helmets in preparation for a safe but bumpy ride in diesel-sputtering, mud-splattering BV-206s, each designed to transport 15 Marines. The trip into deeper parts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest took place utilizing a convoy of 20-year-old BV-206s, unique to the training situation at MCMWTC. Many were glad for the experience. One spouse shared her relief in knowing her husband’s safety in war fighting would be enhanced by the training at MCMWTC.
Once the convoy halted at higher elevation near the ski lift, participants combed the mountainside with some walking comfortably during the snowshoe portion and others feebly getting used to the snow buoyancy gear. Jennifer Bane, putting on snowshoes for the first time ever said, “I feel like a duck.” Ms. Bane, one of the newest Marine spouses, felt warmth from the other spouses. “It’s been a really comfortable situation. I was a little nervous at first not knowing anybody, but everybody’s been really nice,” she added.
After coming down “the hill,” participants were directed to the stables where Marines demonstrated how to tie a box hitch on a mule for carrying heavy loads. Participants were also allowed to ride the mules. Angie Martin wasn’t raised around horses. Experiencing her first mule ride, Ms. Martin said the thought going through her mind was, “I hope [this mule] doesn’t buck me off.” She was reassured and comfortable with the instructors’ knowledge. “They definitely knew their stuff really well and were confident in what they do,” adding that her favorite portion of the event was the rifle shoot.
Lt. Col. Rivinius, MCMWTC Operations Officer (S-3), was responsible for oversight and felt the event definitely tied into MCMWTC’s mission and will help build the family unit. “The event presents a perspective to spouses for what their [Marine does], particularly when going into the field, shooting or snowshoeing in the training area. Miriam Jones, who participated in both JWDs at MCMWTC, said spirits among spouses were high. “It gives us all one more thing to talk about…one more thing we’ve all done together,” she said adding that the event, “gives spouses a mental picture of what it looks like when [your Marine] is out there doing their thing.” Karla Black, a participant in several JWDs, said the main difference between the event hosted at MCMWTC and other installations was, “snow, lots of snow!” When asked about the level of friendship and camaraderie she said, “Wonderful! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the greatest, I think it’s an 11!” Upon completion of the event, participants received certificates for mini LINKS with topics ranging from Marine Corps History and Understanding Pay Charts to Moving and Deployment. For details on the upcoming JWD and other MCFTB events, please call 530.495.2954.
