MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The spouses and family members of Marines with 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion participated in a Jayne Wayne Day aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 6.
Jayne Wayne Day consists of a series of events where family members, usually spouses, take part in different activities to see what a day in the life of a Marine is like.
“It’s not just a Jayne Wayne Day,” said Lt. Col. Pat McCuen, the commanding officer for 2nd AA Bn. “We want to show that the Marine Corps is supportive of the their families. Our goal is let the spouses communicate with one another.”
We are giving them a taste of what we do, we are basically saying ‘Here is why we deploy, here is why we train, this is what we do when we are gone,' added Sgt. Maj. Paul Archie, battalion sergeant major for 2nd AA Bn.
During the event, family members shot at an indoor simulated marksmanship trainer, shot the M240G machine gun, rode in an amphibious assault vehicle and tackled the obstacle course.
“It’s been a blast,” said Lauren Bruland, wife of Sgt. Eric Bruland, a Marine with 2nd AA Bn. “We basically got a chance to do what our husbands do every day. My favorite part was shooting the 240."
While some of the family members enjoyed the shooting, others liked, the more physical events of the day.
"This was a very, very fun experience,” said Heather Matthews, wife of Cpl. Joshua Matthews, a Marine with AA Bn. “I experienced a lot of new things. I did enjoy shooting the 240, I’ve never shot a big gun like that, but my favorite was the obstacle course.”
“The ride on the AAV was nice too,” continued Heather, a native of Birmingham, Ala. “I liked it when they spun us around in a circle. It was almost like they were doing doughnuts.”
After the day’s events came to a close, the families of the Marines with 2nd AA Bn., enjoyed a nice lunch which consisted of Meals Ready to Eat commonly referred to as MRE’s.
“This was a great opportunity,” said Lauren, of Brighton, Mich. “I think everyone should take part in at least one Jayne Wayne Day.”