Civilian Creates Memorable Moments for Deployed Families

Building the morale of Marines, sailors, and their families is her daily goal.

Events such as Family Day, Jayne Wayne Day, deployment homecomings, and holiday parties help keep morale high for Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group. These events are made possible through the assistance of Kristina Harris, the family readiness officer.

Harris, a native of Jacksonville, N.C., spent the last year primarily focusing on the welfare of families whose loved ones were deployed to Afghanistan.

“The best part of my job is at the end of a deployment,” she said. “I get to make that first phone call and say their Marine is coming home on this date, at this time, and hear the excitement over the phone. That’s my way of giving back, and I enjoy it.”

Harris, having been a part of the CLR-15 family for the past five years, focuses on the families’ needs for future events.

Her motto is simple: “I treat [the families] like I would want my family to be treated.”

Something as simple as putting on a pancake breakfast after a morning run can make a huge difference in the morale of enlisted Marines, she said. It’s a simple gesture of gratitude, a subtle thanks for their service.

“Normally, they would be talking about work like, ‘you have to get this assignment in?’ or ‘did you do this on time?’ and now they’re just talking about the run this morning, or weekend plans,” said Harris. “ [The Marines] get to relax and I like seeing that.”

Harris still remembers the Christmas party she prepared for Marines who were staying on base during the holidays last year.

“I had about 100 Marines that were here and I was taking care of them and their families,” said Harris. “I have never had so many Marines come up to tell me that it was the best Christmas party they have ever been to. I wanted them and their families to have fun.”

The amount of planning that makes each of these events a success is a lot of work. Thanks to the Marines who are always willing to help out and volunteer, she’s never alone.

By letting them contribute, it not only increases self-confidence, but also builds leadership skills and lets them decide on the specific events they want to do that day.

“They’re the ones that plan it,” she said. “That’s what makes it fun for them;they are doing what they want to do.”

A family event is a great way for Marines and their families to put down their stress for the day.

Harris helps prepare families for upcoming deployments by organizing events such as family days. This is a day catered particularly towards the Marines and their families. They’re treated to a lunch, and enjoy events such as a pie eating contest, football, and an obstacle course race.

Seeing all the families having a great time is what her job is all about.

“I think I have the best job, I have always felt that way,” said Harris.

—1st Marine Logistics Group