May 21, 2015 --
Considered the “101 Critical Days of Summer,” which begin Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day weekend, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Spring Operational Pause focused on summer safety, May 21, at the Base Theater.
The event marked the start of a busy summer for Marines who will be traveling and participating in various recreational activities.
Roughly 80 Marines, who are members of the base, Marine Corps Systems Command, Defense Logistics Agency and Marine Forces Reserve, attended the Spring Operational Pause, which featured off-duty recreation, risk management, private motor vehicle, motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle safety briefs. The training also included wildlife awareness as well as alcohol and substance abuse prevention.
An all-terrain vehicle and a motorcycle, along with the proper personal protective equipment, were parked outside the Base Theater for Marines to examine during the Spring Operational Pause.
Master Sgt. Roberto Nolasco, operations chief, Military Operations and Training, MCLB Albany, explained the purpose of the training.
“As we get into the ‘101 Critical Days of Summer,’ or what it’s really now known as — Spring Operational Pause — (we) go over some of the safety considerations to think of when (summer officially begins),” Nolasco said, noting he hoped the Marines learned an appreciation for safety during work and leisure time.
Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, thanked the Marines for their service and emphasized the importance of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
“Be careful this weekend,” Davis stressed. “I don’t want to lose any of you. Watch out for one another and continue take care of one another. Take time this weekend to remember there are folks who have gone into harm’s way and (gave the ultimate sacrifice).”
Sgt. Sarah Monko, Garrison Supply Branch, MCLB Albany, attended her first Spring Operational Pause. She likes to fish and described the training as “a refresher on the hazards during spring and keep us up-to-date with anything new as far as the orders and regulations on what we need to do to be safe.”