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Friday, May 16, 2014 Vol. 49, No. 19 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
n Entertainment n News Briefs n Weather n In The Community n Around The Corps
2 3 3 5 10
Appreciating military spouses Page 4
Fire at Night fires up Fightertown Page 8
Summer camp opportunities for youth Page 15
Marines, airmen, sailors take to the skies Cpl. Sarah Cherry Staff Writer
Marine Aircraft Group 31 trained alongside Airforce and Navy units in a Large Force Exercise over the Atlantic Ocean, May 6. Participants conducted a long range strike which reinforced a variety of capabilities such as combatting surface-to-air threats, eliminating threats by enemy aircraft, and increasing interoperability. Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 115, 312 and 251, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 participated in the exercise. “This exercise required Marines to fight their way in and out of hostile territory with Marine Corps and Air Force assets on each see Lfe, page
13
Be involved, know your Marines Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer
See Page 5 Sgt. Marcy Sanchez
Adam Vasquez, a 3rd-grade student at Bolden Elementary/Middle School and son of Chief Warrant Officer Ramon Vasquez of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, recites his portrayal of famous Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., during the school’s Live Wax Museum aboard Laurel Bay Housing Community, May 8. Throughout the museum, students portrayed various historical figures that, once activated, would come to life and deliver an oral presentation of that person’s biography and accomplishments.
Suicide accounts for more deaths than combat in the military and occurs more often during the summer months. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 349 United States service members were lost due to suicides in 2012. A ten year seasonal analysis of Marine Corps suicide data revealed a higher rate of suicide in the summer compared to other seasons. According to the Department of Defense, the increase is usually associated with increased transition and reduced unit cohesion. Periods of transition and relocation may also cause or worsen stressors for Marines and family members. Those stressors include travel, financial strain, relationship problems, and separation from support systems and resources. see
suicide, page 13
Stay safe during 101 Critical Days of Summer Cpl. Brendan Roethel Staff Writer
With summer fast approaching it will soon be time to uncover boats, dust off motorcycles, put on swim shorts and head outside. Although the summer months offer more time for outdoor enjoyment, it is often the period when there are more mishaps and accidents. This period of time is referred to as the 101 Critical Days of Summer, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, or May 23 through Sept. 1 this year. The 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign is intended to remind Marines of the importance of safety both on and off duty. Family barbecues, swimming, fishing, sports, hiking, boating, and camping are just some of the activities Marines participate in during the summer. Each activity has risks, and knowing how to mitigate those risks can help keep Marines safe.
“While we enjoy the summer weather, we often fail to recognize the risks associated with our activities,” said Gunnery Sgt. Moses Lozano, the ground safety manager aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “Many of us tend to engage in risky activities that take us to the ‘edge.’ What might begin as a day of fun in the sun might end up as trip to the emergency room, or worse. Summertime should be spent having fun with friends and family, but let’s do it safely.” During the summer months, people tend to travel or partake in activities that are inherently risky. More than 400 fatal vehicle crashes are estimated to take place on Memorial Day weekend alone, according to the National Safety Council. By packing emergency items and preparing for long road trips with vehicle inspections, Marines can help mitigate travel risks. see
summer, page 12
The 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign is intended to remind Marines of the importance of safety both on and off duty. Family barbecues, swimming, fishing, playing sports, hiking, boating, and camping are just some of the activities Marines participate in during the summer. Each activity has risks, and knowing how to mitigate those risks can help keep Marines safe.