MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The crowd’s cheers are heard over the ocean waves as a Marine leaps into the air and spikes the volley ball, earning his team the final point and winning the game.
This was the scene as Marines with Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, came together at Onslow Beach for the HQ Bn. End of Summer Beach Bash, Oct. 6.
The beach bash offered the Marines a number of competitions including volleyball, tug o’ war, horseshoes and finally an egg toss. During the egg toss, eight Marines from each Company of HQ Bn. competed for gift cards.
“Anytime you can get all of the Marines together is a great time,” said Sgt. Tyrone Carter, assistant radio chief, Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “It’s great for the unit cohesion and I personally really appreciate having the opportunity to get to know my Marines on a personal level and not just a work level.”
Marines were invited to bring family and friends along to enjoy the beach bash festivities, but the event was centered on the Marines.
“The beach bash is really meant to help the battalion build camaraderie and unit cohesion,” said Suzanne M. McCurry, family readiness officer, HQ Co., HQ Bn. “Headquarters Battalion is just so big that it’s hard to get everyone together and because of that, many of the Marines don’t even know each other. So this is a great opportunity to bring everyone together to get out and meet the rest of the battalion.”
As the beach bash came to an end, the Marines and families departed with smiles and laughter.
“This has been a great event,” said Carter. “Everyone came together and is really having a good time. They couldn’t have planned it any better.”