MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Ten Marines participating in Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow's Single Marine Program took the challenge and rafted the Middle Fork American River, in Foresthill, Calif. During the 9-hour endeavor, Marines rafted through class III and IV rapids and a 30-foot waterfall Sept. 15 through 17.
Tents, sleeping bags and most importantly coolers containing food, were grabbed and hauled into the mountains of Foresthill as Marines camped for two nights. Cold mornings and nights brought the 10 Marines together around a fire, which soon warmed everyone enough to tell jokes and ghost stories.
"I really had a lot of fun myself, but I would have to say the best thing about the trip was the camaraderie among the Marines," said Staff Sgt. Travis Snyder, a tracked vehicle repairer for MCLB Barstow's Fleet Support Division. "As the Marines were sitting by the fire telling jokes and sea stories, everyone could relate and share their own experiences. The morale and espirit de corps was very high."
As the fire died down, Marines, full from s'mores and other choice items, entered tents and went to sleep to prepare for a full day of rafting.
Early the next morning the Marines awoke to enter the icy water of the Middle Fork American, which is steeped in the history of the California Gold Rush.
Many of the Marines on the trip had never done whitewater rafting before.
"It was exciting, fun and my first time," said Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Macias Rojo, administration clerk. "Everything went well: the rafting, camping and the way the Marines behaved."
"Absolutely, a success is an understatement," said Snyder. "I didn't hear one complaint, about anything. From the first minute we arrived at the camp site everyone was helping each other set up our bivouac site, to assisting in making chow, to starting the campfire. Once on the river the Marines had to work as a team to successfully maneuver through the rapids. (During) lunch break the Marines took the initiative to assist the guides in setting up chow for the other groups, really confirming their professionalism. There were numerous comments from the other groups stating how well the Marines acted and took charge in every aspect they could volunteer. These Marines truly displayed a 'Band of Brothers and Sisters!'"