MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- As always, the annual Headquarters and Service Battalion Thanksgiving dinner, held Nov. 21 at Barber Physical Activity Center, is open to all the battalion’s Marines and their families. New this year is an invitation to all Marines living in the barracks aboard Quantico and all “geo-bachelors,” who are at the base without their families.

The Clubs at Quantico will cater the turkey, stuffing and ham, and guests are asked to bring a potluck dish. The event will include arts and crafts activities for children and cornhole tournaments for all ages.

Jennifer Douglas, the battalion’s family readiness officer, said it was Col. Robin Gallant, the commanding officer, who decided to open the dinner up to all the base’s single — or geographically single — Marines. “She wants to do a dinner where everyone’s invited, but she’s really targeting those single Marines who live in the barracks to get them to interact with the family members here,” she said.

Attendees are asked to RSVP to Douglas or the Family Readiness Volunteer Program.

“We need to know the number of guests people are bringing and what potluck dish they’re bringing,” Douglas said. “We can give them ideas of what they can bring or what nobody’s signed up for.”

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and dinner will start at 6 p.m.

“Basically, it’s just for fellowship and getting the community together,” Douglas said.

— Writer: mdicicco@quanticosentryonline.com