MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marine Corps spouses took part in a Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) event called Jane Wayne Day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 10.
Jane Wayne Day was an event that allowed spouses to get a firsthand view of what their Marines go through. Spouses visited East Miramar where they received basic marksmanship classes, controlled an explosive ordnance disposal robot, wore full explosive protective gear and played a training-based game.
They got to feel the anxiety of lying in a prone position, M16 rifles held firmly and sited-in on targets, waiting for the command to load and make ready.
“Shooters … you may open fire when your coaches tell you,” said a voice over the loudspeaker at Carlos Hathcock Range Complex. “Coaches, you got ‘em!”
Participants shared in the experience of more than a dozen muzzles flashing around them as rounds pierced targets – that was only the beginning.
“It’s just a great experience for them,” said Shondra Jerabek, H&HS family readiness officer. “It’s an insider view of what some of what our unit is responsible for. This day gives us an opportunity to introduce the Marines’ overall mission to the spouses and that can make things easier on both sides.”
With this glimpse into life in the Corps, some of the spouses gained a better idea of what they can do to help – all while having a good time.
“If he tells me about what he’s doing, and I don’t know what he is talking about, I won’t have a clear image of how I can support him,” said Sarahi Chavez, wife of Sgt. Luis Chavez. “Going through some of what he has, has given me a chance to live a small portion of his life. With that I can understand at least some of it, and we can talk about the things he goes through.”
Having a spouse who understands what one might be experiencing at work, or while training, can be beneficial for the Marine as well. They might not have to worry about their loved one being in the dark about their life and can focus on the task at hand.
“It’s always good that she knows what I do; we’ve been together nine years,” said Luis Chavez, an EOD technician. “She’s been with me since day one, but she’s still learning.”
“We have found that it helps family members with their fear of the unknown,” said Jerabek. “They hear about something their Marines do and think it’s more dangerous than it actually is. We bring them out here and teach them how to do that same thing, and they think to themselves, ‘oh, this isn’t so bad.’”
Jerabek went on to explain that all spouses should participate in events like the Jane Wayne Day so they can learn about what their spouses do for the Marine Corps and for the nation.
To find out about similar events in your own unit, please contact your family readiness officer.