SMP takes Marines to ‘Sin City’

Twelve station Marines traveled to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway, April 5 – 8.

The trip was organized and sponsored by the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Single Marine Program and cost participants $98 for transportation and three nights stay at one of the resorts.

“Events like this are designed to increase morale, get Marines to go out for a weekend, go have some fun and experience new things,” said Lance Cpl. Cody A. Nichols, a Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron air traffic controller, and an Arlington, Texas native.

“It was an experience,” added Cpl. Maxmillion Page, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron legal chief and a Thousand Oaks, Calif. native. “It was something memorable, and it was good to have different people around, not just the same guys you hang out with all the time. Going to Vegas with Marines is a completely different experience than if I went with some friends back home. Everyone’s different, and it becomes a melting pot of personality. It’s great for building camaraderie.”

The SMP hosts numerous vacations and travel opportunities throughout the year, Las Vegas sometimes more than once. These occasions are open to all station Marines who can find time to go away for a weekend.

“A lot of Marines are hesitant because it’s an SMP event, but I wish other Marines would come out and experience it,” said Page.

Though Las Vegas is infamous in its reputation as “Sin City”, the SMP can host events like this because Marines are wise enough to avoid problems.

“I think Marines are responsible,” said Nichols, one of the trip’s planners. “We are going to go to Vegas to have a good time, without trouble.”

The Yuma SMP works hard to try to provide these kinds of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for Marines, added Nichols. Chances like this are rare, and Marines should take advantage of them.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the SMP recreation center or call (928)-269-5794.