RECRUITING STATION SEATTLE, Calif. -- During a cool sunny Northwest day, leathernecks from Recruiting Station Seattle took time off from their busy schedules and strengthen the esprit de corps and camaraderie in the command.
Marines and their families from across the RS gathered to take part in a family day and softball tournament against local members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and the Bellevue Police Department at the Wilburton Hill Park and Bellevue Botanical Garden July 20.
For many of the new Marines, this was the first family day that have experienced while assigned to RS Seattle.
The tournament, sponsored by the Puget Sound Detachment of the Marine Corps League, helped raise money for local High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. Marine Corps League personnel sold t-shirts, hats and refreshments to raise money during the day.
According to Leslie Wright, Commandant of the local Marine Corps League and a Monroe, La., native, the money raised will help fund NJROTC cadets' drill weekends and other training events.
"We have to take care of our youth and this is one great way to do that," said Wright.
The day also gave the Marines the opportunity to get out in the community and show their support, said Wright. "The community may not know a lot of Marines or the military and getting out to them helps them to understand what the military is about," he said.
Representatives from each service presented their colors along with the national standard prior to the game's opening.
Marines such as Sgt. Christopher D. Elmquist, Recruiting Sub Station Everett canvassing recruiter, enjoyed the chance to spend time with other Marines. He said that recruiters have little time to get know one another, but events like this give him and his colleagues the chance to make friends and have fun together.
Elmquist said that the money raised in the event also helps the recruiting effort in the sense that many of the young men and women who enlist are currently in a NJROTC program.
Elmquist's wife Deanna, who is head of the local Key Volunteer Network, agreed with her husband. She thought the day was a tremendous success, and wants to have more activities in the future that involve the Marine's families such as this.
"The more camaraderie and motivation we have here, the better it is for the mission and helping each other," said Elmquist.
Command personnel grilled food, while others brought additions to the vast smorgasbord laid out on the picnic table. Children played with one another while parents watched them and the game.
For some like Sgt. Patrick Wilson, canvassing recruiter, RSS Northgate and a Waupaca, Wisc., native, this was the first family day he participated in.
"This is pretty cool," said Wilson. "It's a great time to spend playing softball and getting our families together."
The Marines defeated the Navy's softball team 13-11 during their first game. The leathernecks did not win the tournament, however they proudly represented the Marine Corps against the other teams.
With the success of family day and the money raised for local school NJROTC programs, the Marines were ready to tighten their pack and keep charging forward.