Future Marines Act as Victims to Support Local Community

18 Sep 2004 | Staff Sgt. Jerry L. Wright Marine Corps Recruiting Command

Approximately 60 poolees from Recruiting Station Harrisburg, Recruiting Sub-stations Capital City and Carlisle participated in a full-scale emergency training exercise at the Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) September 18. 

The poolees imitated injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to fatalities to add realism to the exercise which is required by The Federal Aviation Administration  for all commercial service airports once every three years. 

According to Scott Miller, the Marketing and Public Relations manager for HIA, the exercise simulated a large plane crash and involved actual response teams from local police and fire departments as well as emergency medical service units from communities surrounding the airport.

In addition to members of RS Harrisburg, the Red Cross, Army Air National Guard and the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office were also involved. 

“We think it’s great that the Marines are helping us out,” Miller said.  “They made up about half of the ‘victims’, and they made some good training aids.”

Gunnery Sgt. Carl E. Veigle, staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge, RSS Capital City was approached by a former Marine who works at the airport and asked if the Marines were interested in doing a community relations pool function.

Seeing the value of such an offer, Veigle didn’t hesitate in accepting.

“This is a very important lesson for the poolees to learn prior to becoming Marines,” he said.  “We make Marines, win our nations battles and return quality citizens back to the communities of America.  It’s awesome that we can show these young men and women that – before they [become] Marines.”

“These folks need the training, so why not help them out,” said Poolee Joshua Harris.  “I try to volunteer to help the community as much as I can, he added.  “It’s good to know I’ll be able to continue that in the Marine Corps.”

A typical pool event revolves around mentally and physically preparing individuals for success at Recruit Training.
Recruiting Station Harrisburg’s Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Rew said this is a ‘next generation’ pool event and allows the poolees to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

“As Marines, they will be serving their country,” he said.  “By acting as victims for the emergency response team, they’re off to a great start.” 

He went on to state that the poolees got a unique opportunity to see that helping in their local community is no different and no less important than what they will be doing while in the Marines.  He also said RS Harrisburg plans to take advantage of other opportunities such as this in the future.



Marine Corps Recruiting Command