Families participate in Jane Wayne Day on base

FALLBROOK – On June 27, Fallbrook Union High School staff, students, and their families joined 2nd Battalion 11th Marines for their annual Jane Wayne Day.

Jane Wayne Day is an opportunity for family members to fully experience the tactical training their loved ones regularly conduct. 2nd Battalion 11^th Marines provides this opportunity in hopes that family members and the community will gain a deeper appreciation for the impressive contributions their loved ones (service members) provide to the battalion and the nation. This year, Fallbrook Union High School was invited to join in the activities.

Guests were welcomed by Commanding Officer, LtCol Whitley and Sergeant Major Diaz as they began their day of activities. Participants were issued flak jackets, Kevlar helmets, and ear plugs. They rode in the back of 7 Tons to their range destination, there they were allowed the opportunity to fire the M4, eat MRE's, watch a live direct fire shoot of the M777A2 Howitzer, and watch a live fire of the M240B medium machine guns and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

Upon completion of these events the guests returned to the 11^th Marines parade deck where they were given a battery position demonstration which allowed participants to get familiarized with the inner workings of the fire direction center and the gunline. Guests were then treated to a barbeque and thanked for participating in the Jane Wayne Day event.

"I now have a greater appreciation for what our men and women in the military do," said Luis Herrera. Fellow participant Alonzo Paniagua said, "I want to come back next year." For Brenda Mefford, "It was a fantastic experience! It was really neat to get an idea of what they do."

Carmen Montejano said, "It was a fun day. It's really something to see things up close. More than just firing the weapons it was seeing those boys and talking with them. They are so young and so knowledgeable about their job. Pride of duty sure shows. I'm sure it was an extra long day for them driving a group of civilians around and letting us play for a day. It did not go unnoticed by me or my family all the time and effort that went into putting this event together. We know and understand those Marines had to be out there around 4 a.m. setting those guns up."

Montejano added, "I know my family and I have gained even more respect for our boys serving in the military. Like I said we dealt with the dust and dirt and heat for a few hours while those boys deal with a lot more. Those that are deployed, have had to endure so much more. I wanted to hug each of those boys but I'd probably be out there still doing it. They do so much for all of us."