There was hot chocolate and cookies for all as each family excitedly waited to present their golden ticket for a charming ride on the Parris Island Polar Express.

The Parris Island battalions came out in force to create various worlds for the children to enjoy. The competition for best presentation was fierce to win the prize for 1st ($600), 2nd ($300), and 3rd ($150). The first place winner was 4th Battalion, with their elf recruit training. Mrs. Clause ran the show with Mr. Narwhal and Gunny Clause looking on with pride, it was certainly unforgettable. Second place was awarded to 3rd Battalion for their stunning display of Grinchville, and the many faces and places of Mr. Grinch. 1st battalion won third place, with a lovely display of home, hearth, and holiday season complete with the bagpipes playing Christmas carols that warmed the heart and made you want to draw your loved ones near.

It was truly an enchanted night, as each family ended their ride with a visit to Santa and Mrs. Clause. There were crafts, goodies, and a bell to remind them to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Photos by: Sarhi Wiggins | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins and Nevaeh Wiggins

Attendees were encouraged to come prepared with their résumé and be ready to network with corporate entities in specialties ranging from law enforcement and medical to aviation and communication. There were 19 potential employers excited to meet the 155 potential future employees.

The Career Resource Management Center (CRMC) provides career and employment assistance, vocational guidance and transition information to separating Marines and their family members. The tools and information provided enable all separating Marines and their family members to make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

This was a fantastic event and one that the CRMC team plans to replicate in 2019.  If you missed this event or are interested in taking the next step in your career goals, please do not hesitate to contact the CRMC team at 843-228-7701 or CLICK HERE.

Photos by: Sarhi Wiggins | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins

They offer a lunch menu every Thursday and Friday beginning at 1100 which includes lowcountry favorites, such as fried pickles, mac-n-cheese bites and mushrooms. You can also get a chicken sandwich or tenders meal with fries or another substitute side.

Afterburners is truly your home town tavern, with great food, all your favorite games and entertainment, and fantastic décor (they go all out for the holidays). So come on by any time after 1600 for drinks, food, and fun or stop by on Thursdays and Fridays after 1100 and have lunch. See you soon!

Photos by: Sarhi Wiggins and Courtney Bethel | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins

However, preparing for this celebration can be time consuming and expensive. For the Marine, the uniform must be dry-cleaned and pressed, medals mounted, shoes shined, tickets bought, and hair cut tight. For the ladies, hair appointments are made and attended, nails are done, and most importantly, the dress...

On 25 September 2018, Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) Parris Island hosted the 10th annual Operation Ball Gown. This event is a way for spouses and even active duty service members to receive a free dress and some accessories to offset the cost for the upcoming Ball they are attending. “Even if the individual who attended Operation Ball Gown only picked out a dress, we hope that we saved that military family just a little bit of money with the preparations that go into attending the Marine Corps Ball.” Stated event organizer, Ashley McCartney.

One hundred and fifty two people participated in the event and over 100 ladies went home with a gown or accessories. Many local companies sponsored the event, making it possible for MCFTB to giveaway 26 prizes! The prizes included cosmetic gift baskets, jewelry, and over $300 in gift cards to local boutiques, salons and department stores.

Operation Ball Gown is an annual event that is a fantastic resource for the savvy shopper and fashionista alike. If you missed your chance to attend and are scrambling to find the perfect fit at the perfect price, contact Ashley McCartney at MCFTB Parris Island to discuss an opportunity to see the gowns.

Photos by: Sarhi Wiggins | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins

Seven teams of Marines were confident they had what it took to navigate The Devil Dog Dare challenge that Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) offered. There would be blood, sweat, and no fear. But the cause was worth it.

The seven teams participated and conquered The Devil Dog Dare challenge representing MALS 31, MWSD 31, MCAS HHS, VMFA-251, and MCRD Parris Island RTR 1st Battalion. There were prize awards for first, second, and third place teams to be deposited into their unit funds account, as well as bragging rights. The first place team, hailed from H&HS Air Traffic Control on MCAS Beaufort. They were awarded $500. The second place team was a welcome addition from RTR 1st Battalion on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and earned a prize of $300. The third place winners stepped up from MALS 31 on MCAS Beaufort earning $200.

The course was a maze that took each group all over the Air Station, where they tackled trivia, obstacle courses, as well as endurance, agility, speed, and teamwork challenges. Every part of this venture was a team effort, emphasizing the “no man left behind” mentality of our Marines.

The Devil Dog Dare challenge was initiated by Latashia Smalls of MCAS MCFTB in an effort to create a team building activity that focused on “building moral and unit cohesion” as well as a way “to break up the everyday routine.” When asked what her favorite part of the event was Latashia, expressed that it was everyone’s surprise at the intensity of the course. “We designed it so no one would have the opportunity to strategize on how they would navigate the course. Each team had to think on the fly about who does what activity the best and how collectively they could work together to complete the challenge.”

This event was sponsored by Centex Homes. Centex’s patronage provided lunch for the participants after the event as well as the prizes. This is monumental for units, as the prize money can be put toward other morale boosting events for all of the Marines and families.

Photos by: Sarhi Wiggins | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins

Prizes ranging from $100 to $1000 where awarded to every participating unit. This year’s award winners included a four way tie for first place with a prize of $1000 each, for MACS-2, MWSD-31, CLC-23, and 6th MCD.

The Semper Fit Summer Challenge is a health and wellness extravaganza of games, training, races, movies, and various other fun activities. Units participating in the SFSC were able to accrue points throughout the summer by participating in events for the chance to win money for their unit. The money is put into their Unit Funds to be used at the CO’s discretion. Semper Fit was excited for all the units participating this summer and had a blast at each event!

I had an opportunity to speak with Kathy Williams, the Health Promotions Coordinator for Semper Fit and the Summer Challenge organizer. She was thrilled with the participation this summer from the movies to the 5K runs. She said, “My favorite event this year, the dodge ball game, the Marines loved it, and it was so exciting! That, and the Character runs, it is always interesting to see everyone come out, in character or out. It is just so much fun!”

For more information about the Semper Fit Summer Challenge, please CLICK HERE.

Photos by: Alyssa Karim and Sarhi Wiggins | Story by: Sarhi Wiggins

Personally, I have very little experience crocheting or sewing, which I assumed would limit my ability to participate, but the sessions are meant for all ages and experience levels to enjoy (from beginners to experts). By the end of the workshop, I made my very own pillow – not to mention that I had used a sewing machine successfully in the process! While I was working on my pillow, a few of the younger girls in attendance were working on crocheting some very cute, colorful sandals.

Trinity Maldonado, the wonderful Library Technician who has helped expand the workshops, also got to show me some of the awesome projects they have created in the recent past: scrunchies, aprons and shorts to name a few! With supplies (sewing machines, crochet hooks, etc.) and project ideas galore, Trinity is there to help you make your vision become a reality. Whether teaching you the skills necessary to complete your project (like in my case) or offering some pointers while you work your way through a personal project, the class can be as guided or independent as you want it to be.

If you are interested in learning a new skill, making something from scratch, or even just meeting new people, then Crochet & Sew is for you. Stop by the MCAS Beaufort Library on any Thursday from 1700-1900 to see what it’s all about. Take it from me – you won’t be disappointed!

Photos by: Alyssa Karim | Story by: Alyssa Karim