MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Marines and their families attend a Halloween party aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Oct. 27.
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 hosted the event for the Marines and their families. Individual shops created a spooky grave yard scene as part of a competition to win a 72 hour liberty weekend awarded by the commanding officer. The Marines also wore costumes to scare visitors on the haunted trail. The MALS-31 leadership planned the event to thank the fam- ilies who support the Marines and strengthen unit cohesion.
“It’s a lot of fun to come out here with the family, let the kids have fun,” said Master Sgt. Jesus Montano-Galaz , the quality assurance officer with MALS-31. “But it’s not just about having fun. This kind of thing is actually import- ant. It improves morale and builds camaraderie among the Marines.”
The commanding officer delivered the opening remarks to start the Halloween party, followed by a schedule of the events. The party was divided into different times, based on the recommended age for the children. As the night progressed the events became more frightning, to accom- modate the older children and Marines looking for thrills.
“First I would like to thank the families of the Marines,” said Lieutenant Colonel Adam Jeppe, the commanding officer with MALS-31. “Without your support, our Marines could not do what they do. This party is for you.”
The party was divided into different times, based scare factor and the recommended age for the children. There was certain time for each age group or maturity level, making sure the event catered to family members of all ages.
“We are Marines first,” said Staff Sgt. Cynthia Collier, the family readiness officer with MALS-31. “But our fam- ilies are very important. We want our Marines to come to work able to focus on their job, knowing their families are taken care of. It is events like this that let our Marines know their families are important.”
Marines and the spouse’s support group came together to volunteer and setup the event at the log cabin aboard MCAS Beaufort. It took 30 volunteers and most of the day to set up everything at the log cabin where the event was held.
“The MALS-31 family takes care of each other,” said Collier. “This is just one of the events we do. At the end of the day it’s about bringing the Marines and families together and letting them know they are family and be- ing taken care of. Out Marines can do their complete their mission and trust us to help take care of their families.”