Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, GA -- Several spouses of Marines and civilian-Marines got a glimpse into Marine Corps Logistics Command’s mission though an overview course held at the Town and Country Ballroom aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, May 1.
The Mission Overview Course, hosted by Master Sgt. Melanie Rodriguez, family readiness coordinator, MARCORLOGCOM, consisted of a command brief, team building activity and tours of Marine Depot Maintenance Command and Marine Force Storage Command.
“The purpose of the overview course was to show the spouses how dynamic the mission of Marine Corps Logistics Command is and what their spouses do here makes a difference throughout the Marine Corps,” Rodriguez said. “This was a three-day course that was condensed into one day just for them and it covered the basics of what spouses need to know about the command and how it supports the warfighter.”
After a meet and greet session conducted by Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, chief of staff, MARCORLOGCOM, spouses listened to Sarah Lukes, director, Command Operations, G3/5, MARCORLOGCOM, as she presented them with a brief on the command’s mission.
“This brief focused on how Marine Corps Logistics Command fits in the Marine Corps, how the command’s structure is set up and its three subordinate commands; Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida; Marine Depot Maintenance Command and Marine Force Storage Command,” she added.
The spouses also participated in a team building activity and had lunch with MARCORLOGCOM leadership, which allowed them to ask more detailed questions.
At the end of the day, the spouses received a tour of MDMC and MFSC.
Ashley Herrmann was one of several military spouses to attend the course.
“I wanted to attend the course to gain a better understanding of what Marine Corps Logistics Command does,” Herrmann said. “From a military spouse point of view, I didn’t know what was going on and all I saw was a bunch of different kinds of equipment setting around and not being used. But now I know there is a process the command has to follow. Before it was confusing to me but I understand more now because of the overview course.”
Herrmann said of all the information presented, the budget is what stood out to her the most.
“I was shocked in how much each vehicle costs, the cost to send it off for repair or to be disposed,” she stated. “When MFSC started going over the indoor and outdoor costs, I was shocked in the amount of savings from just moving a vehicle indoors compared to it being outside in the weather.”
She said the course would be very beneficial for the new spouses that are coming to the command.
Regina Thomas also a military spouse, found the 3D printer the most interesting part of the course.
“There are (parts) that can’t be found so the Marine Corps makes them,” she said. “This is very interesting, efficient and effective way doing business.”
She said the course helped solve some of the questions she had.
“I now know what (Marine Corps Logistics Command) does now,” Thomas said. “So I don’t have to ask the question on what is our purpose of being here anymore. I now understand why the Marine Corps needs the civilian workforce and the Marines here.”
Thomas and Herrmann both agree the course is very helpful to both military and civilian-Marine spouses.
“I recommend this course because we, as military spouses, have no idea what we are walking into when we come to Albany,” Thomas said. “But, if they come to this course, at least they will know their spouse’s side of it. They will have a better understanding in what this base does and why we are here.”