CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- Marines, Sailors and their families enjoyed the Bordelon Bash hosted by Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marines Corps Forces, Pacific at Bordelon Field here Oct 7.
This is the first Bordelon Bash hosted by the battalion, although they usually host multiple “morale” events every year. Events range from field meets to holiday or seasonal celebrations. The Bordelon Bash was a family fun day.
“We want to build camaraderie and get to know one another outside of our little boxes,” said Casey S. Fleishmann, family readiness officer, HqSvcBn. “We really strove for a balance between family-friendly activities, but also planning stuff that would be fun for the single Marines.”
For the children, there were a variety of bouncy houses and a balloon artist. The biggest hit seemed to be the water slide bouncy house.
The event featured volleyball and dodgeball tournaments, a joust pit and the “pie in the face” fundraiser for the adults, in which one Marine pulled in a significant amount of donations.
The battalion raised more than $250 to have Master Sgt. Ruby O. Finck, company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, HqSvcBn, nominated as one of five people to get a pie in the face. Aside from the $250 raised for the nomination, Cpl. Rollianne J. Gawat, an administration clerk in the MarForPac staff secretary’s office, paid the highest bid, $120, to have the honor of putting the pie in her face.
“Oh come on, you’re not even in the company anymore.” Finck said to Gawat, as the bidding went on.
In total, the “pie in the face” Marine Corps ball fundraiser raised approximately $1,300. Several Marines from the barracks said they enjoyed the event and liked that different work sections had the opportunity to have fun together.
“I enjoyed it,” said Lance Cpl. Vilay Thongphuonphim, a manpower clerk in the MarForPac administration office. “My favorite part was that everyone got together.”
“It brings everyone together, makes our family stronger with a tighter bond,” said Lance Cpl. Mecayla R. Ream, an administration clerk in the HqSvcBn administration office.