MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- With a hearty tray of eggs, waffles and pastries, 291 Depot civil service workers gathered for the first Civilian Marine Breakfast at the WFTBn. Mess Hall Jan. 21.
The purpose of the meeting was to build camaraderie among civilians and Marines, conduct professional education and pass on pertinent information to the civilian Marines aboard the Depot, according to Brenda Nix, management analyst for the Plans, Programs and Assessment Office and breakfast coordinator.
"I think it makes civilians feel that they're included in what's going on aboard the base, and it helps build esprit de corps among the civilians and the military working as a team," she said.
"Just like we do Professional Military Education for Marines, we're trying to expand this out to our civilian Marines," added Brig. Gen. Joseph J. McMenamin, commanding general for MCRD/ERR Parris Island.
Brigadier Gen. McMenamin said he hopes to hold quarterly meetings, which will ultimately lead to better quality of life aboard the Depot.
Civilians play an important role in the Depot's daily operations, so it is essential to keep them abreast of what is going on, said Col. John Valentin, Assistant Chief of Staff, Installation and Logistics.
"First of all, we couldn't do what we've been charged with doing - making Marines - without our civilian workforce. It's that simple," he said. "We couldn't get the time to make Marines without the wonderful, dedicated men and women who are here. That's why it's important that we nurture them and keep them informed because they play an integral part of recruiting and recruit training."
For the first meeting, guest speaker Nancy Brandau, director of Human Resources, informed the civilians of upcoming changes and how it will affect them, such as the implementation of a new personnel and promotion system, as well as the Base Realignment and Closure process.
Aside from the training the civilians already received, on each table were slips of paper for them to give suggestions on what topics they would like covered during the next meeting.
The meetings will be held every three months and after the second breakfast a survey will be conducted to determine if civilians believe them to be beneficial, said Nix.
"I think it's a good idea," said Shirley Patterson, driver's improvement education instructor for Depot Safety. "It brings us all together, and it allows us to see new faces and to meet those people who we rarely get to see aboard the Depot."
"I look forward to the next one," she added.