An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photo Information

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 logo

Photo by courtesy photo

VMFA(AW)-224 spouses remain loyal to tradition

15 Nov 2012 | Lance Cpl. Sarah Cherry Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines choose to be­come part of a family, a culture and a lifestyle; de­veloping a drive and com­mitment to the Marine Corps. Marines swear an oath, whether of enlistment or of office, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.

Spouses swear a different kind of oath. They swear to be loyal to their husband or wife, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, for richer or poorer - until death.

“Once you marry a Ma­rine, you become a part of the Marine Corps,” said Elizabeth Jennifer Morrow, Family Readiness Officer for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, the Bengals. “The tra­ditions, the customs, the different protocol that the Marines go through – the spouses take that journey with our Marine as well.”

With VMFA(AW)-224 deployed, the Bengal’s spouses did not attend a ball. Instead, they planned out a Marine Corps birth­day celebration.

“It’s important for [spous­es] to learn about those events and get to under­stand the importance,” said Morrow. “Why the Marine Corps was founded, and why the biggest celebra­tion in the Marine Corps is held each year. Every Marine, no matter where they’re at, whether they’re in garrison or in the battle­field, takes time to honor that important date.”

The celebration took place on Nov. 10, at Marine Corps Air Station Beau­fort’s Officer’s Club. Some traditions from the Marine Corps Birthday Ball were upheld in the birthday cel­ebration. Spouses heard birthday messages from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Ser­geant Major of the Marine Corps, as well as birth­day messages from the VMFA(AW)-224 command. A cake cutting ceremony was held, but adjusted to the spouses with the most and least time with the squadron instead of oldest and youngest Marine.

Morrow said the tradi­tions were modified “sim­ply because we realize that unless you step on those yellow footprints or go through [Officer Candi­date School,] the title Marine is for Ma­rines only.”

Marines, spouses and children alike are touched by the illus­trious histo­ry and rich tra­dition of our Corps, and it falls on all parts of the Marine Corps family to uphold the traditions.