May 2, 2013 -- By Bill Johnson-Miles, MCSC Corporate Communications
“Our Marine heroes in Afghanistan think your parents are the heroes,” Col. Michael Bergerud, Program Manager for Marine Intelligence, told the children attending his command brief April 25 during Marine Corps Systems Command’s “Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” He said warfighters think MCSC employees are heroes because they provide gear, equipment and systems that help Marines succeed and saves lives on the battlefield.
Children learned this and much more during the MCSC Diversity Program event hosted by PM MI.
“We learned to think,” said Elijah Reynolds, the son of Resource Management’s Elex Reynolds. “We learned what our parents do and how the money works. I think it’s pretty cool.”
“I think it’s interesting, but I wouldn’t want to do it,” added Nya Currie, Elijah’s sister.
Julia Bauer, the daughter of Infantry Weapons Systems’ John Bauer, was impressed with her dad’s job.
“He provides the backpacks and clothing to Marines,” she said. “If he didn’t, the Marines wouldn’t have that stuff. So it’s important.”
Julia, Nya and Elijah are just three of more than 80 who participated in the event, according to Ward Warren, PM MI operations manager.
“It was very successful,” Warren said. “The youth who attended were engaged and attentive. The feedback we received was all positive.”
“I want to thank the team for the outstanding job everyone did in support of the event,” said Amy Cooper of Ground Combat Supports Systems - Marine Corps. “My daughter had a great time and really felt special. The whole team made her feel like a VIP.”
Daughters and sons from ages 7 to 18 were first issued their VIP Marine badges, then they visited their parents’ work space, attended an MCSC overview brief, toured an Infantry Combat Equipment display of weapons and gear, and enjoyed a pizza lunch.
Brig. Gen. Frank Kelley, MCSC commander, joined the children during the afternoon meal.
“I want you to feel very proud of your parents, because I am very proud of them,” Kelley said. “Your parents make it happen.”
At the end of his visit with the youngsters, the commander gave them an order.
“Ask your parents what their job is,” Kelley said. “Find out what they do here. Then feel proud and thank them, and thank them for me, too.”