Twentynine Palms -- MCCS hosted a variety of festivities, including a street fair, a Family Fun Zone, and a contest of physical fitness dubbed “The Battle of Bandini” to celebrate the Combat Center’s 65th anniversary aboard the Combat Center, September 23. Combat Center patrons and members of the surrounding community were invited to join in the festivities.
“We wanted to host an event that would challenge the tactical warrior,” said Lt. Col. Rob Warfield, director, Marine Corps Community Services. “It needed to be challenging and complex enough that it would give the Marines a work out, but also be simple enough that non-military folks could finish.”
MCCS hosted the Battle of Bandini to provide the Marines, sailors and their families with a recreational event that is fun, professional and entertaining.
“We enjoy physical fitness together, and we had to use a lot of team work to finish, which helped to build camaraderie,” said SSgt. Christy Miller, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School chief’s course student. “I think the base should bring people together more often so that they can enjoy being active and working as a team.”
The Battle of Bandini consisted of teams of four who had to run the length of Lake Bandini and overcome a series of obstacles. The objective was for each team, of Marines, sailors and civilians, to have the best overall time. If a team was lapped or they did not finish an obstacle properly, they suffered a penalty, which resulted in time being added to their final score. The Family Fun Zone, which consisted of bouncy houses and food vendors, was an area for families and competitors to relax after the race.
“An event like this is a good idea because it lets our local community be a part of our Marines and sailors lives,” said Rachel Pennington, special events manager, MCCS. “This is a way for us to celebrate our Marines, sailor’s and the Combat Center.”
The street fair, which was located at the General’s parking lot and 5th street, consisted of a variety of food stands and other goods, which were available for purchase.
“I think it’s really cool that they set this up on base,” said PFC. Andre Jordan, a student at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School. “I can come out here with my friends, get out of the barracks for a little while and just enjoy myself.”
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