Isaac --, 11, son of Ivette --, dons Combat Center Firefighter’s gear during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015. The event served to bring the community together and highlight the resources available to the families aboard the installation. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
Story by Lance Cpl. Levi SchultzTWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Combat Center families explored carnival theme games and Fire Department displays during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015.
Marine Corps Community Services’ Behavioral Health Branch hosted the event to provide families with an opportunity to get together and have fun as well as a means to provide information on MCCS services and programs.
“The event is to highlight the resources available to the families aboard the installation,” said Carleen Dickson, prevention education coordinator, Substance Abuse Counseling Center. “We wanted to make it interactive and engaging for the families.”
Many different entities throughout MCCS set up stands at the event to get information out to families. The Red Cross, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Drug Demand Reduction Program, Community Counseling Center and the Combat Center Library were some of the organizations present.
“We hold a lot of events and services for single Marines but sometimes the families will miss out on many services that are available for them on base,” Dickson said.
A rock-climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, beer goggles, snow cones, cotton candy, dunk tank, and other attractions were provided for free and served to make the event fun for children. The Combat Center Fire Department also brought Fire Truck 451 and the Provost Marshal’s Office the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Lion interacted with children.
“The event was started to get families to have fun and show them what services we have available for them,” Dickson said.
Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 raised money for their birthday ball by selling barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs.
“I’m a single parent, so it’s great to get out here with my kids,” said Cpl. Christine Dudkewitz, radio operator, Tactical Training Exercise Control Group. “Events like this give the kids more opportunities to see their friends and have fun. It also gives the parents a chance to get together.”
Jason McCauley, firefighter, Combat Center Fire Department, shows Combat Center children how he puts on his equipment during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015. The equipment used by the Combat Center Fire Department can weigh as much as 100 pounds. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
Camyelle --, 3, daughter of Sgt. Antonio --, field radio operator, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, points out the flavor of a snow cone to Lance Cpl. Bernardo Grandinetti, rifleman, 3rd LAR, during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
Provost Marshal’s Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education Lion, Daren, interacts with Delaney Hoffman, 1, child of Rebecca Hoffman, during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, August 28, 2015. The Red Cross, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Drug Demand Reduction, Community Counselling Center, and the Combat Center Library were some of the organizations present. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
Charlie, 14, son of Col. Harold, commanding officer, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, scales a rock-climbing wall during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
Col. Harold B. --, commanding officer, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, volunteers for the dunk tank during the Behavior Health Family Fun Night at Heritage Park, Aug. 28, 2015. Marine Corps Community Services hosted the event to provide families with an opportunity to get together and have fun as well as a means to provide information on MCCS services and programs available to families. (Official Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Levi Schultz/Released)
