More than 100 Marines and their family members from across Recruiting Station Detroit attended the annual family day event at Memorial Park in Royal Oak, Michigan, Aug. 8.
This year, the festivities consisted of activities for the children, followed by the Marines monthly award ceremony and a meal.
“This was one of our larger family days that I’ve seen for RS Detroit,” said Gunnery Sgt. Shawn King, the family readiness officer for RS Detroit. “Families from all across Detroit’s Recruiting Sub-Stations attended the event.
Recruiting Station Detroit consists of 11 Sub-stations allowing the Marines to recruit across more than 14,000 square miles in the Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio area.
The event included a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, sports, an outdoor playground and the recognition of jobs well done in the months of June and July.
Family day is a great time for the recruiting station’s leadership to meet the families of the Marines who make up the various sub-stations within Detroit, said Sgt. Maj. Adam H. Yakubsin, sergeant major of RS Detroit.
“By providing the opportunity for the families of our Marines to come out and see their Marines recognized for what they do on a daily basis we are tying back to the Marine Corps’ idea of the whole Marine concept,” said Yakubsin. “Considering the high operational tempo that recruiting duty has, strong family support is essential.”
Occasions like family days are also beneficial for the Marines involved, said Yakubsin.
“Events like this are great for the Marines,” said Yakubsin. “Not only does it bring the Marines and families of a particular Sub-station together, but the entire recruiting station as a whole can build camaraderie. Having all the Marines together, swapping stories and their shared experiences is what these events are all about.”
According to Staff Sgt. Micky J. Franklin, a canvasing recruiter from RSS Livonia, the event was a nice way to relax and be able to see everyone in a different light outside of work.
“Days like these are the perfect time for everyone to come together and get to know each other a little better,” said Franklin.
Events like family day show RS Detroit families how much the command cares about its families, said Franklin.