MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- When you think of an open house, you may think of an introduction to something new, such as the first time you go to school. It’s not often an opportunity to come together with friends and brothers that have served beside you and share a bond that can never be lost.
More than 300 retired service members and spouses attended the 7th annual Retiree Open House aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Nov. 15, 2011.
The open house was an introduction of many sorts; it not only introduced many of the services that were available to the retired military community aboard the base, but it also allowed the men and women to come together and reconnect with old friends, some of whom haven’t seen each other in a long time.
“The military is a small community in the Barstow area, but it is a strong one,” said Jennifer Silva, marketing director of Marine Corps Community Services aboard MCLB Barstow. “We want to ensure that they understand what services we have available for them to utilize.”
Vendors from the base, such as Marine and Family Services, the Marine Corps Exchange and the staff judge advocate were on hand to explain what benefits they had to offer the retirees. Local community vendors were also available to provide their support and show what services were available to their neighbors as well.
“This is an event that the base receives a lot of support for,” Silva said. She further explained, there are services aboard the base that retirees have access to and many of them do not know about.
The more information that can be distributed to retirees in the community, the greater chance to make their lives easier she added. Instead of traveling to the Army’s Fort Irwin, Calif., more than forty miles away for things that they may need, the retirees can easily travel right down the road.
“It is gratifying to know you’re doing something that can help change people’s lives,” Silva said. “We want to provide as much help to our community as we possibly can and make a difference.”