Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- The depot's Headquarters and Service Battalion gathered together for a Thanksgiving lunch to kick off the holiday season with the Single Marine Program aboard the depot, Nov. 26.
The lunch honored all members of the battalion but was an opportunity to extend special appreciation to the single Marines and sailors who otherwise would not have had a formal dinner during the holiday season.
The gathering promoted camaraderie with the fellow Marines. The lunch, put together by H&S Battalion and the SMP, represented a shared moment for Marines who were not able to spend Thanksgiving with their families, and a shared holiday meal with fellow Marines.
“The Single Marine Program is a great way to help continue to build the brotherhood the Marine Corps is known for having,” said Lance Cpl. Hayden Howard-Brown, combat photographer, Combat Camera, Service Company, H&S Battalion. “The Thanksgiving meal allowed us all to come together and bond while we shared and enjoyed some delicious turkey.”
Each Marine Corps installation has an SMP council that meets on a regular basis. The SMP continues tradition, responsibilities and leadership opportunities offered to the Marines that make up most of the Marine Corps - single Marines.
Officers and senior enlisted Marines served the junior Marines an array of food including yams, stuffing, ham and turkey. Senior leadership waited for all junior Marines to eat before serving themselves as it is tradition within the Marine Corps.
“We as officers enjoy serving the younger Marines chow to show mutual respect that is given back to us on a daily basis,” said Lt. Col. George A. Williams, executive officer,H&S Battalion.
The Single Marine Program sets up these events to give young Marines a chance to bond and draw together.
The lunch allowed us to connect with each other and boost the morale of the Marines while we feasted on some Thanksgiving turkey, explained Pfc. Enez Juan Valdes, production specialist, Service Company, H&S Battalion.
“The Marine Corps motto is no Marine left behind,” said 18-year-old Valdes, a Montgomery, Texas native. “That doesn’t just apply to combat; it applies to everyday life in the Marine Corps, even if it’s having a Thanksgiving meal with your fellow Marine brothers and sisters to ensure they have someone to spend the holiday with.”