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Kinikia Lin-Kissick performs a Hawaiian dance during the Civilian Appreciation Day picnic at Barnett Field on Aug. 21.

Photo by John Hollis

Civilians honored for often-unheralded efforts

28 Aug 2014 | John Hollis Marine Corps Base Quantico

They are often hailed as the glue that keeps things running smoothly at Marine Corps Base Quantico, so it was appropriate that base civilians were given their proper due with the Civilian Appreciation Day picnic on Aug. 21.

 

Roughly 700 employees from all over the base gathered at Barnett Field to share an afternoon of food, dancing and companionship. More than 11,000 civilians work aboard Quantico.

 

The picnic, which was sponsored by the Civilian Recreation & Welfare Association, served as a warm thanks to the many people whose tireless efforts largely go publicly unheralded.

 

“It feels good,” said Raymond Loving, the base fire chief who has served as the event’s chairman for 16 years. “It’s a good chance for the people who work on base to meet the people they’ve spoken with on the phone and put the names and faces together. It’s a real good chance for the people who work here to network.”

 

The Hawaiian-themed picnic, which was extended for four hours to allow every civilian employee the opportunity to share in the festivities, is believed to be the largest of its kind on base, Loving said. CRWA relied on the planning of its 60 volunteers and board members to successfully pull things off.

 

It was just the kind of leisurely, family friendly event that Larry and Terry Baker had in mind when they decided to bring their three children with them. Larry Baker, who works at Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center, said he welcomed the opportunity to mingle with those he had only previously known professionally.

 

“You actually get the chance to meet the people that you talk to a lot on the phone,” he said. “It builds those relationships a little bit.”

 

Benny Tomes, a glazier at Facilities Maintenance Shop 271 who has worked on base for eight years, made the most of the relaxing afternoon to get to better know those with whom he works. 

“It’s been great,” he said. “I love outdoor gatherings, people gatherings. [The Marines] work just as hard as we do. It’s my pleasure to help keep their living space looking good.”

 


Marine Corps Base Quantico