CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- More than 20 couples flooded the banquet room at the Ball Center here for a Spouse Appreciation Night, Aug. 10.
As they entered the room, a soft beat of music filled the air while some guests dished up a plate of wings, fresh vegetables and other appetizers; other guests socialized with people they haven?t seen in a while, and some they?ve never seen before.
?We want spouses to get to know each other,? said Jose Padilla, the family readiness officer for Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. ?By participating you learn, you get more information, you get to know who?s in charge, who does what, and that?s important.?
The event continued with an award ceremony. Col. Mark R. Hollahan, the CLR-27 commanding officer, along with his wife, Kim, and the regimental sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Lanette Wright, presented a letter of appreciation to each spouse in attendance.
?In sincere appreciation of your sacrifices and support,? the letter read. ?Thanks for a job well done.?
Each spouse received an award signed by Hollahan, a gift bag made by one of the CLR-27 volunteer spouses, and a rose.
?It?s really nice to get some appreciation for what we do because we do a lot,? said Nakyshia Leger, whose husband is a sergeant with Landing Support Company, CLR-27. ?I have baby number three on the way, and I?m always at home with the kids. It?s just nice to have a night out and they?re like ?Hey, thank you for all that you do?.?
The night continued with a drawing, at which Padilla gave out door prizes of things like candles, gift cards and picture frames.
?It?s so worth coming out to these things because you do have fun,? said Octa Fassnacht, who is married to a staff sergeant and attended the Spouse Appreciation Night last year. ?It?s a way to release some stress because everyday life can be so hectic.?
After the prizes were gone, couples crowded the dance floor for a few dances before the night drew to a close.