thedrifter
06-06-04, 07:07 AM
A night to remember: Mess Night celebrates Marine Corps tradition in field environment
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 20046419555
Story by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(May 29, 2004) -- Officers and staff noncommissioned officers of Combat Service Support Group 3 held a Field Mess Night, or "Warrior Night" here, May 29 at LZ Boondocker.
With great formality, a mess night celebrates traditions and customs of Marine Corps history, and remembers Marines from years past. A field mess upholds the same traditions as a regular mess night, but in a field environment dressed in camouflage gear instead of dress uniforms.
It took approximately a month of planning with a team of about 12 Marines making the arrangements for the Field Mess Night, said Sgt. Maj. David C. Strowmatt, sergeant major of CSSG-3.
"All the support from volunteer NCOs of the group really made things run smoothly for the evening," he explained.
Two functional officers, known as the president and vice president, oversee the planning and execution of the event. The president is usually a senior Marine within the mess. This year Col. James E. Harbison, commanding officer for CSSG-3, held that position.
The vice president is usually the junior noncommissioned officer within the unit. Staff Sgt. Phillip E. Shadden, shore party chief for CSSG-3, held the position, and was responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the entire mess night.
Traditional features must be followed during a mess night, as it is a carefully planned event. Therefore, cocktail hour began promptly at 5 p.m. to encourage social rapport with guests.
Once the call to dinner was made, all marched to their assigned seats and stood as the chaplain said grace. Once everyone was seated, the floor opened for fines and all had the opportunity to call out anyone in the mess for punishment -- anything from eating pizza under a certain time frame to singing and dancing "I'm a Little Teapot."
During the meal of steak, salad, vegetables and dessert, Marines and Sailors shared friendly conversation, before toasting fallen Marines and Sailors, as well as service members who are fighting around the world today.
The guest of honor, retired Master Sgt. Steven P. Parker, formerly of Supply Company, CSSG-3, spoke to everyone in the mess and commended the Group for the outstanding accomplishments it has achieved.
"Mess Night really establishes a fellowship with all who attend," said Strowmatt. "The camaraderie between everyone during the evening is a great experience."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200464191733/$file/twosidesdrinklow.jpg
Marines and Sailors of Combat Service Support Group 3 drink to one of many toasts during a Field Mess Night, May 29. The night of camaraderie gave the Group a chance to eat, drink and remember those who could not be there. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4A80383C4C74A06B85256EA9007EE2B8?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 20046419555
Story by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(May 29, 2004) -- Officers and staff noncommissioned officers of Combat Service Support Group 3 held a Field Mess Night, or "Warrior Night" here, May 29 at LZ Boondocker.
With great formality, a mess night celebrates traditions and customs of Marine Corps history, and remembers Marines from years past. A field mess upholds the same traditions as a regular mess night, but in a field environment dressed in camouflage gear instead of dress uniforms.
It took approximately a month of planning with a team of about 12 Marines making the arrangements for the Field Mess Night, said Sgt. Maj. David C. Strowmatt, sergeant major of CSSG-3.
"All the support from volunteer NCOs of the group really made things run smoothly for the evening," he explained.
Two functional officers, known as the president and vice president, oversee the planning and execution of the event. The president is usually a senior Marine within the mess. This year Col. James E. Harbison, commanding officer for CSSG-3, held that position.
The vice president is usually the junior noncommissioned officer within the unit. Staff Sgt. Phillip E. Shadden, shore party chief for CSSG-3, held the position, and was responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the entire mess night.
Traditional features must be followed during a mess night, as it is a carefully planned event. Therefore, cocktail hour began promptly at 5 p.m. to encourage social rapport with guests.
Once the call to dinner was made, all marched to their assigned seats and stood as the chaplain said grace. Once everyone was seated, the floor opened for fines and all had the opportunity to call out anyone in the mess for punishment -- anything from eating pizza under a certain time frame to singing and dancing "I'm a Little Teapot."
During the meal of steak, salad, vegetables and dessert, Marines and Sailors shared friendly conversation, before toasting fallen Marines and Sailors, as well as service members who are fighting around the world today.
The guest of honor, retired Master Sgt. Steven P. Parker, formerly of Supply Company, CSSG-3, spoke to everyone in the mess and commended the Group for the outstanding accomplishments it has achieved.
"Mess Night really establishes a fellowship with all who attend," said Strowmatt. "The camaraderie between everyone during the evening is a great experience."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200464191733/$file/twosidesdrinklow.jpg
Marines and Sailors of Combat Service Support Group 3 drink to one of many toasts during a Field Mess Night, May 29. The night of camaraderie gave the Group a chance to eat, drink and remember those who could not be there. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4A80383C4C74A06B85256EA9007EE2B8?opendocument
Ellie