thedrifter
08-26-06, 08:38 AM
Off-duty program keeps single Marines active
By Linda McIntosh
UNION-TRIBUNE COMMUNITY NEWS WRITER
August 26, 2006
CAMP PENDLETON – Some had returned from deployment and others were going out. But for a few days they could forget it all.
They were single Marines from Camp Pendleton getting away from the barracks.
Their getaway was a whitewater rafting trip down the Kern River near Bakersfield. The trip is one of dozens of activities coordinated by the base's Single Marine Program.
“It's a high priority to keep single Marines happy and keep them in the Corps,” said John Preston, manager of the 53 Area Single Marine Recreation Center.
Preston served six years in the Corps and now makes it his job to get ideas from single Marines on how to improve their quality of life. He knows it's important to have a healthy way to unwind when off duty.
“We want to try to give them what they want,” Preston said.
Trips to Las Vegas, Magic Mountain, Big Bear and Padres games are usually sellouts.
“We let them know about activities throughout the base. There's always something to do,” said Danielle West, the coordinator of the base's Single Marine Program.
West started as a lifeguard at the pools on base eight years ago. Now she steers single Marines to sports tournaments and fitness programs along with other recreational activities around the base.
Recreation centers for single Marines are at Camp Horno 53 Area and Camp Mateo 62 Area. They're open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week to accommodate different schedules. A new center for single Marines is scheduled to open in the Las Pulgas 43 Area in several months, West said.
The centers feature homelike comforts, with large-screen TVs, Xbox and Play Station video game consoles, pool tables and Internet access.
“It's a place to chill. Internet is the number one reason guys come,” said Lance Cpl. Nathan Holz.
It's a way to get away from the barracks without going far, especially for younger Marines who don't have transportation to get off base.
“You can come and relax and watch TV,” said Lance Cpl. Richard Bacchus.
The program also connects single Marines with community service groups, where they mentor children, visit with senior citizens, make lunch for the homeless and help with Special Olympics.
Each month, single Marines take turns visiting assisted-living communities in North County.
“They come in their cami uniforms and swap war stories. It's popular both ways,” West said.
The program is looking for feedback and ideas from single Marines. Single Marine basewide meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the 53 Area Single Marine Recreation Center.
For information about the program, call (760) 725-6722.
Ellie
By Linda McIntosh
UNION-TRIBUNE COMMUNITY NEWS WRITER
August 26, 2006
CAMP PENDLETON – Some had returned from deployment and others were going out. But for a few days they could forget it all.
They were single Marines from Camp Pendleton getting away from the barracks.
Their getaway was a whitewater rafting trip down the Kern River near Bakersfield. The trip is one of dozens of activities coordinated by the base's Single Marine Program.
“It's a high priority to keep single Marines happy and keep them in the Corps,” said John Preston, manager of the 53 Area Single Marine Recreation Center.
Preston served six years in the Corps and now makes it his job to get ideas from single Marines on how to improve their quality of life. He knows it's important to have a healthy way to unwind when off duty.
“We want to try to give them what they want,” Preston said.
Trips to Las Vegas, Magic Mountain, Big Bear and Padres games are usually sellouts.
“We let them know about activities throughout the base. There's always something to do,” said Danielle West, the coordinator of the base's Single Marine Program.
West started as a lifeguard at the pools on base eight years ago. Now she steers single Marines to sports tournaments and fitness programs along with other recreational activities around the base.
Recreation centers for single Marines are at Camp Horno 53 Area and Camp Mateo 62 Area. They're open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week to accommodate different schedules. A new center for single Marines is scheduled to open in the Las Pulgas 43 Area in several months, West said.
The centers feature homelike comforts, with large-screen TVs, Xbox and Play Station video game consoles, pool tables and Internet access.
“It's a place to chill. Internet is the number one reason guys come,” said Lance Cpl. Nathan Holz.
It's a way to get away from the barracks without going far, especially for younger Marines who don't have transportation to get off base.
“You can come and relax and watch TV,” said Lance Cpl. Richard Bacchus.
The program also connects single Marines with community service groups, where they mentor children, visit with senior citizens, make lunch for the homeless and help with Special Olympics.
Each month, single Marines take turns visiting assisted-living communities in North County.
“They come in their cami uniforms and swap war stories. It's popular both ways,” West said.
The program is looking for feedback and ideas from single Marines. Single Marine basewide meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the 53 Area Single Marine Recreation Center.
For information about the program, call (760) 725-6722.
Ellie