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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - “Swift, silent and deadly” is the motto of
3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and its operators.
However,
during the annual “Do What Daddy Does ” day April 11, 2014 on Camp
Schwab, it was loud and lively as children experienced aspects of
their fathers' reconnaissance duties.
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Ayaan Vicente, 6, looks through the scope of an M110
semi-automatic sniper system as Cpl. Justin B. Federhofer supervises
on April 11, 2014 at Camp Schwab during the 3rd Reconnaissance
Battalion's annual “Do What Daddy Does” day. The children simulated
using equipment and performing duties as their fathers would.
Federhofer is a reconnaissance man with 3rd Recon Bn., 3rd Marine
Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo
by Cpl. Jose Lujano)
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“This event is our form of ‘Take Your Child to Work
Day,'” said Lauren D. Bell, the family readiness officer
with the battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine
Expeditionary Force. “For military children, we are able to
bring them in and show them what dad does. The event
promotes camaraderie in the battalion, which helps us become
closer, strengthening the battalion-family bond.”
The
turnout was exceptional, with approximately 70 children
participating in the day's activities, according to Bell.
As families arrived and checked in, each child received
dog tags and mock orders ready to be executed, according to
Bell.
During the event, children rode in a combat
rubber raiding craft, participated in a modified combat
fitness test, hung from parachute harnesses, and practiced
using static diver propulsion devices . They also wore
camouflage paint, interacted with static weapons and vehicle
displays, and jumped in inflatable bounce houses.
“My
favorite part was the boat rides,” said Enrique J. Martinez,
a 12-year-old boy. “We kept wanting to go faster.”
It
became evident that the children not only learned about
reconnaissance, but also admired their parents.
“I
want to grow up and be like my dad and become a Marine and
do his job,” said Enrique, who also described his father as
Superman.
Sweaty and exhausted, the Marines' children
left the event both entertained and motivated from their
experience.
“The main thing was for the kids to have
a good time with a taste of what it's like to be a Marine,”
said Master Sgt. Efrain Martinez, a reconnaissance man with
the battalion and the father of Enrique. “We couldn't be
happier when the children's laughter filled the air.”
Reconnaissance Marines devote their time and effort to
perfecting amphibious reconnaissance raid skills that
support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Events like “Do
What Daddy Does” help their loved ones understand not just
what they do, but also why they do it.
“As much work
that we put in the Corps, the same or more goes into our
families,” said Martinez. “They are the reason why we are
serving. My family and I look forward to this opportunity
every year.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Lujano
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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