Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. -- They approached the firing line and met their coaches, who gave shooting advice. After an hour of shooting, shell casings covered the ground. They collected all the casings and cleared the firing line to prepare for their next event.
These shooters were not the typical marksmen to fire aboard a military base…they were Marines’ spouses from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, who attended a Jane Wayne Day event aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 11.
The spouses started the day at Carlos Hathcock Range where they received a safety brief from the range safety officer. Range personnel also demonstrated different firing positions and techniques to effectively place a round on a target several hundred yards away.
“I think it was a really fun experience to see what Marines do,” said Amy Shore, H&HS military and family life counselor. “I believe Jane Wayne Day is a really good event for spouses and I think it would be a good idea to continue these events.”
The spouses fired at various yard lines and with every shot they became more confident with their weapons. The spouses were learning what it took to become a professional marksman.
“Making sure people are involved in the military community is really important because you build camaraderie,” said Shondra Jerabek, H&HS family readiness officer. “It allows the spouses to get involved and see the day-to-day things Marines do.”
The spouses also made their way to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal compound where they were shown different types of explosives and weapons, tried on bomb suits, used metal detectors and navigated through an obstacle course with EOD robots.
“I did not look around and see one person that was not thoroughly enjoying themselves,” said KathyJean Farnam, wife of Col. John Farnam, commanding officer of MCAS Miramar.
The spouses ended the day with more knowledge on the Marine Corps motto ‘every Marine a rifleman.’