MCAS Cherry Point: focusing on community and readiness - Marine Corps Air Station

Focus on Community

MWR, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina takes pride in providing a diverse, quality recreation program for the Marines, Sailors, dependents, retirees and Department of Defense employees working aboard the Air Station. In addition to offering special events and programs to their authorized patrons, MWR shares some of these exciting events and programs with their neighboring civilian communities. Allowing an open gate policy to these special events enhances community relations, provides additional income and offers civilian neighbors a chance to see quality events that they normally might not.

This summer, MWR Cherry Point and Marlboro Music presented a three-day concert series called "The Sounds Of Summer," which featured Rock 'N Roll on Friday, Country on Saturday and Rhythm and Blues on Sunday. An estimated 25,000 people came to see performances by Night Ranger, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Baker and Meyers, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, the Commodores, and Gladys Knight.

The magnitude of this event allowed MWR to invite the general civilian population; musical entertainment at an affordable price. Food concessions were contracted out to a national concessionaire and local organizations manned the food and beverage booths, earning a percentage of gross sales for their organizations. This concept allowed both military and civilian organizations to work together for a common cause as they raised funds for charitable organizations.

Another event that draws the local civilian and military communities together is the Commanding General's Invitational Golf Tournament. This annual event, initiated in 1988, was designed to invite the civilian community to come aboard the Air Station and enjoy a two-day golfing event with the military members. Since its inception nine years ago, this tournament has grown into one of the largest of its kind in Eastern North Carolina. Last year, 212 golfers (53 teams) participated in a uniquely formatted tournament. Players are classified as A,B,C, or D and teams are randomly selected based on individual handicaps. A pairing party at the SNCO Club on Friday night allows golfers to meet their partners and plan their strategy for the weekend event.

Saturday is designated as a "Best Ball" tournament with one-half of the field teeing off at 0830 and the remaining half going off at 1300. Players play their own ball and the team with the lowest net score wins. Sunday follows a "Super Ball" format where players have the option of using the best tee shot, iron, putt, etc. The overall tournament winner is determined by taking the Saturday low scores and the Sunday low scores and combining the totals. This way golfers have a chance to win on Saturday, Sunday or overall. Additionally, golfers compete for closest to the pin, longest drive and hole-in-one. Social events include the Friday night pairing party; free beverages during play; a Saturday night dinner/dance for the players and their guests; continental breakfast both mornings and an old fashioned pig pickin' on Sunday prior to the awards presentation. This event has become one of the most popular tournaments in the state and the field rapidly fills days after the invitation letters get mailed.

The Athletic Division of the MWR Recreation Department provides several opportunities for the civilian community to participate in the Command's sports programs. The athletic director provides athletic events and tournaments such as softball, basketball, baseball, rugby, soccer, boxing, and road races that are open to the general public. Each December, the MWR Recreation Department hosts the Holiday Classic Invitational Basketball Tournament. This tournament brings both men's and women's varsity teams from South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to compete in a double-elimination tournament prior to the Christmas holidays. The 16 teams compete for bragging rights over this very popular event.

The Cherry Point Rugby Team brings Division I and II college teams to Cherry Point each year for the Cherry Point Invitational Tournament. Teams from Duke University, North Carolina State, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Chapel Hill, and area military teams all vie for the Best of the East Crown.

Cherry Point has also developed a new race program with the local civilian recreation departments. To avoid scheduling conflicts, all the area race directors meet annually to finalize their upcoming schedules. This avoids departments competing for the same runners on the same weekend. The concept is unique because points are awarded to participants that win their particular age division. At the end of the race series, all age division winners come together at Cherry Point and compete in the grand finale called the "Race of the Champions." The cooperation between local civilian and military departments in the area creates the opportunity to network and cross-promote products and services to the fullest extent.

Focus on Readiness

Marines thrive on physical fitness and are required to pass an annual PFT (physical fitness training). Part of this PFT requires a three-mile run within a certain time frame. To help Marines meet this challenging requirement, the Cherry Point Recreation Department introduced an exciting new race series. The seven-race series begins at 1200 and is usually held on the Wednesday prior to a holiday weekend. Marines are awarded points for each of the seven races; 20 points are awarded to the first place finisher in his/her respective age division and points are also awarded down to the eighth place finisher. If the participant runs in four races, he or she receives a t-shirt. At the end of the series, points are calculated and winners receive MWR Gift Certificates that are redeemable at any MWR Activity. This program has helped motivate many Marines to improve their times and, thus, become better prepared as Marines.

Another program designed to improve the physical readiness of Marines and Sailors aboard the Air Station is the grueling Piranha Pit Mountain Bike Race Series. Working in conjunction with a local bike shop operator and statewide biking clubs, Cherry Point has developed a challenging five-mile course with several class divisions. Each division has its own starting time and required laps. For example, the veterans are required to ride the course twice for a total of 10.4 miles. Experts ride four laps for a total of 20.8 miles. Beginners do one lap.

Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in each division and t-shirts are awarded to each participant. A local bike shop provides door prizes and is on hand to provide minor maintenance adjustments and repairs to the participant's bikes. Each three-race series averages between 60-80 participants. The programs are offered in the spring and fall of the year and attract participants from Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, and North Carolina. This event is open to the public.

These are a few of the quality programs being offered at MCAS Cherry Point for Marines, Sailors, dependents, retirees, civilian workers and members of the civilian community. Working together to provide recreational opportunities for both military members and civilian neighbors helps develop the strong, rewarding relationships that makes Cherry Point a better place to live, work and play!

COPYRIGHT 1996 National Recreation and Park Association
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group