thedrifter
02-10-06, 06:23 PM
Xtreme Marines: Single Marines visit X-Games in Aspen
MCRD San Diego
Story by Lance Cpl. Dorian Gardner
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Feb. 10, 2006) -- Some depot Marines and the depot Single Marine Program coordinator took a trip across three states to enjoy the 2006 Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colo. from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1.
While fun was a big part of the trip, Lowell Muenchau had other plans for the SMP president, vice president and scribe.
“It was a special privilege for the counsel members,” said Muenchau. “The purpose was to put them in a completely different environment and see how they react under different situations, how they handle themselves. It worked out well. All the Marines handled themselves professionally outside a military installation. That’s what I was looking for.
“I made this a scouting trip as well to see if future SMP trips would be successful in Aspen.”
The 2006 Winter X-Games took place on Buttermilk Mountain from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, with events like Super Pipe snowboarding, which is a mound of snow shaped into a half-pipe. There was also snowboard and ski slope-style competition, along with motocross and snowmobile races.
“The X-Games is exactly the demographics for SMP, people between 18 and 25,” said Muenchau.
After a 16-hour drive, the group arrived early Jan. 28.
“The drive was probably one of the best parts,” said Cpl. Nick Galvin, SMP President. “Talking and laughing with the guys was a good time in itself.”
Galvin has been stationed on the depot for the better part of his enlistment and looks forward to taking part in upcoming trips SMP has to offer.
“It gives Marines a good reason to get out of the barracks and experience things they usually wouldn’t do – drive to Aspen and watch the X-Games,” said Galvin.
After the events concluded on Jan. 28, Muenchau and Lance Cpl. Ryan Crummey, SMP vice president, went back to Aspen to watch Damon Marley perform at a live concert.
On Jan. 30, the counsel went to the slopes to watch as the men’s Snowboard Super Pipe finals took place. Many of the event’s competitors, such as Sean White, are going on to compete in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
At the end of the night, the group walked around town and enjoyed themselves at a small club atmosphere where The Meditations played reggae music.
The success of this trip may lead to other Colorado opportunities for the SMP program, according to Muenchau.
“There is a possibility of us going back and taking a larger group up there,” said Muenchau.
Muenchau said river rafting, camping and mountain biking might be included in a summer trip to Colorado in the future.
Ellie
MCRD San Diego
Story by Lance Cpl. Dorian Gardner
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Feb. 10, 2006) -- Some depot Marines and the depot Single Marine Program coordinator took a trip across three states to enjoy the 2006 Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colo. from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1.
While fun was a big part of the trip, Lowell Muenchau had other plans for the SMP president, vice president and scribe.
“It was a special privilege for the counsel members,” said Muenchau. “The purpose was to put them in a completely different environment and see how they react under different situations, how they handle themselves. It worked out well. All the Marines handled themselves professionally outside a military installation. That’s what I was looking for.
“I made this a scouting trip as well to see if future SMP trips would be successful in Aspen.”
The 2006 Winter X-Games took place on Buttermilk Mountain from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, with events like Super Pipe snowboarding, which is a mound of snow shaped into a half-pipe. There was also snowboard and ski slope-style competition, along with motocross and snowmobile races.
“The X-Games is exactly the demographics for SMP, people between 18 and 25,” said Muenchau.
After a 16-hour drive, the group arrived early Jan. 28.
“The drive was probably one of the best parts,” said Cpl. Nick Galvin, SMP President. “Talking and laughing with the guys was a good time in itself.”
Galvin has been stationed on the depot for the better part of his enlistment and looks forward to taking part in upcoming trips SMP has to offer.
“It gives Marines a good reason to get out of the barracks and experience things they usually wouldn’t do – drive to Aspen and watch the X-Games,” said Galvin.
After the events concluded on Jan. 28, Muenchau and Lance Cpl. Ryan Crummey, SMP vice president, went back to Aspen to watch Damon Marley perform at a live concert.
On Jan. 30, the counsel went to the slopes to watch as the men’s Snowboard Super Pipe finals took place. Many of the event’s competitors, such as Sean White, are going on to compete in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
At the end of the night, the group walked around town and enjoyed themselves at a small club atmosphere where The Meditations played reggae music.
The success of this trip may lead to other Colorado opportunities for the SMP program, according to Muenchau.
“There is a possibility of us going back and taking a larger group up there,” said Muenchau.
Muenchau said river rafting, camping and mountain biking might be included in a summer trip to Colorado in the future.
Ellie