MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Marines and Sailors of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and their families took part in a Christmas party aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Dec. 9.
The party was held by the squadron to foster unit cohesion and camaraderie as well as to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
“This is one of the best parties I’ve attended since I’ve been at the air station,” said Sgt. Anthony Stevens, an administrative clerk with H&HS. “It’s so great seeing everyone together, eating and socializing in their goofy Christmas sweaters. I think it really goes to show that this squadron is more like family and this party isn’t just another work function.”
Marines arrived at the All Weather Training Facility early in the morning and set up chairs and tables for the dinner as well as garnished the building with Christmas decorations.
“I know Marines got here extra early this morning to help make this event so special,” said Sgt. Maj. Edward Hebron, the Sergeant Major of H&HS. “Without their hard work and dedication pulling off a party of this magnitude would have been impossible.
On top of serving food and refreshments, the party also had a live DJ who provided traditional Christmas music, a corn hole tournament. The children of the squadron were able to bounce on bouncy castles and visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause.
“Events like this promote camaraderie and fellowship in a unit,” said Stevens. “To me, H&HS not only demonstrates but excels in showing the rest of the squadrons on base the proper way to take care of your Marines.”
Towards the end of the night the party had a contest where Marines modeled ugly sweaters. Judges were picked from the crowd by Lt. Col. Jeffrey Pelt, the commanding officer of H&HS, to decide which the ugliest sweater was.
“This party is a chance for us to look to our left and right so we can reach out for another and lift each other up,” said Pelt. “As Marines, we are our brothers and sisters keepers and we take care of our own. That’s why it is even more important that we look out for our fellow Marines during this holiday season.”