Iwakuni service members celebrate end of summer

The Hornet’s Nest hosted the 20th annual Single Marine Program’s End of Summer Party at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 27, 2017.

The event gave Marines one last opportunity to enjoy the season with their peers as it turns to fall.

“The purpose of the event was to get everybody together to have a good time and celebrate the end of summer,” said Andrew Porche, the Hornet’s Nest facility manager. “SMP is known for getting single and unaccompanied service members out of the barracks to meet new people and make new friends.”

Although the event was supposed to be outdoors, inclement weather moved the party inside the Hornet’s Nest building, but that didn’t stop people from having a memorable night.

“I thought it was a good time for Marines to come together, to get that brotherhood and sisterhood bond, that camaraderie that we’re always talking about, and everything about working together to make us work better and more efficient,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Billy McNair, an aviation ordnance systems technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and first place winner of the sumo wrestling competition.

There was a karaoke competition, pool tournament and sumo wrestling competition. They held raffles giving away: a bicycle, a TV, coupons worth $250, a one-hour massage and other prizes during the event.

During the event there were multiple service members who wore red and blue jerseys to show all the service members who volunteered, attended and participated in the activities with the rest of the guests. U.S. Marine volunteers wore red jerseys, and the U.S. Navy volunteers wore blue jerseys.

“They’re not here just to volunteer; they are here to come out and have a good time with the guests too,” said Porche.

Overall, the party was a success with 200 guests attending and over $3,000 in prizes handed out.

“If you’ve never been to an SMP event, definitely try it out,” said McNair. “Everyone goes to it, and we show up and have fun. It’s a good time and a great way to make new friends and meet new people.”

Photo Caption:

U.S. Marine Pfc. Terrence Pennywell, an embarkation specialist with Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 36, plays a saxophone during the 20th annual Single Marine Program’s End of Summer Party at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 27, 2017. The event gave Marines one last opportunity to enjoy the season with their peers as it turns to fall. There was a karaoke competition, pool tournament and sumo wrestling competition. They held raffles giving away a bicycle, a TV, coupons worth $250, a one-hour massage and other prizes during the event.