When the time came to chose a guest of honor for the Marine Air Support Squadron 3 Marine Corps ball, the squadron chain of command made an interesting decision: they chose squadron family members to be the “guests of honor.”
The command made a choice to avoid traditional guests of honor, such as celebrities and high ranking Marines, in favor of honoring the families who have kept the home fires burning during long years of constant deployments.
“A month before the ball we had thought about different options - a UFC fighter, a popular author - I didn’t want to have just anybody. I wanted it to be meaningful,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Logan, the commanding officer of MASS-3.
A spouse - Gunnery Sgt. Alexandro Magdaleno, husband of Gunnery Sgt. Marilyn Magdaleno - a parent - Steven Ribeiro, father of Cpl. Cassandra Ribeiro - and a child - Sterling Dyer, son of Sgt. Brian Dyer - represented the spectrum of squadron families who participated in the cake cutting ceremony.
“We didn’t want it to be about a specific person. They represented each category,” said Sgt. Maj. David Maddux, the squadron sergeant major.
The squadron’s command philosophy emphasizes taking care of each other and involving families in squadron life.
“We stress making the family members part of the unit,” said Logan. “The Marines don’t make the unit on their own.”
The unique choice was well-received by the Marines and their families alike.
“It was truly amazing. It was humbling. It’s an honor to support her,” said Steven Ribeiro, father of Cpl. Cassandra Ribeiro.
“Everyone felt it was genuine and sincere. It wasn’t just someone making a speech,” added Logan. Maddux explained that it was important to do something in honor of the families and show appreciation for their dedication.
A detachment of MASS-3 Marines is currently deployed in the Helmand province, reinforcing the importance of the sacrifices families are making.
Declaring families as the guests of honor to their 2010 ball is one of many ways MASS-3 continues to salute squadron family members.
-30-