Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion here and their families gathered for a Family Day event at Del Mar Beach Resort here August 2.

“The purpose of Family Day is to show appreciation to all of our families, friends and loved ones who sacrifice so much of their personal time to support those on active duty,” said Col. Michael E. Cordero, commanding officer of the battalion. “This is my way of saying thank you to them.”

The event consisted of a cook-out, several games and a raffle for the chance to soak the battalion commanding officer and other members of the chain of command by hitting a target on the dunk tank.

“Life is too short to take it for granted, you should have as much fun as you can,” said Cordero, who was finally able to change into dry clothes after being plunged into the dunk tank in his service charlie and desert digital MARPAT camouflaged uniforms.

Along with all the activities and games, Family Day also serves as a venue for participants to meet, interact and bond.

Patricia Robertson, wife of the battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Jackie R. Robertson, said she enjoys these events because she gets to meet with other military wives and catch-up with what is going on among the families in the battalion.

“Family day is important because it gives the families a chance to get together,” said Robertson. “This is to have fun, Family Day is a great chance for us to get to know each other.”