Servicemembers with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group and their families welcomed the warmer temperatures by attending a Kinston Indians baseball game in Kinston, N.C., June 2.
The purpose of the event, which was sponsored by the unit’s family readiness office, was to give families and Marines a chance to bond and have fun in an unconventional setting.
“Our units support us getting off of work to spend time with family,” said Sgt. Frederico Mincey, an armory chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 22.
Outings such as this provide just that: an opportunity for family members to spend time together.
“I need this… I’m a newlywed who is often away from my husband,” said Brenda Mincey, Sgt. Mincey’s wife. “I don’t know much about the military. I need someone to relate to.”
This particular event involved more than a free ticket to a Kinston Indians game. The attendees arrived at historic Grainger Stadium a few hours prior to the game, where they were treated to a tailgating party that offered a finger-licking-good meal of fried chicken, potato salad, chips and soda in true pre-game, tailgating fashion.
The Marines and their families went toe-to-toe in Frisbee and Cornhole competitions of their own, while music blasted from onsite sound systems.
Once the game began, the section where the Marines were sitting in was no doubt the liveliest. Marines hollered and cheered as the Kinston Indians took and maintained an early lead against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
The Indian’s mascot even lured a Marine into participating in a dance-off in front of the stands where he was cheered on by the crowd.
“These FRO days are fun. We [wives] appreciate seeing our husbands on weekdays and meeting who they work with,” said Krysta Privette, wife of Cpl. Cody Privette, a landing support specialist with CLB-22.
While fun is the main objective of events like this, family goals are also a priority.
“They [FRO] take care of families. They keep us sane while our husbands and family members are deployed,” said Brenda Mincey.
Whether Marines were there as part of the Single Marines’ Program or they had family in attendance with them, it is safe to say everyone thoroughly enjoyed the free food and free entertainment, and, of course, watching the Kinston Indians defeat the Wilmington Blue Rocks 2-0.