Jane Wayne

Keeping a time-honored tradition

Christina Childs

cchilds@weatherforddemocrat.com

Depth perception is pretty tricky when decked out in a full chemical suit complete with a gas mask.

“Careful,” said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Tim Lott, as the row of camouflage clad individuals before him prepped for push-ups. “Your face is a lot closer to the ground than you think with those masks on.”

Muffled giggles began to emerge from behind the masks as the group struggled to master the push-up, and the deck. Conceding, after a worthy try, the group once again on their feet, began to shed the sweltering suits, starting with the mask.

“It’s really hot in those suits,” Kimberly Wilson remarked to her husband, Capt. Timothy Wilson, a 17-year veteran of the Corps.

A knowing smile played across his face, after all, he didn’t have to imagine what it was like, he’d been there and done that numerous times before, and this day was Kimberly’s chance to gain a hands-on perspective of what it means to be a Marine.

Saturday, more than 35 Marine Corps spouses turned out at the Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth to participate in Jane Wayne Day.

Jane Wayne has become a tradition for the Marine Corps. For years, military bases have opened their doors to allow spouses a chance to see the other side.

“Jane Wayne is a time-honored tradition,” said Gunnery Sgt. Rusty Baker. “It has been going on for years, not just here, but throughout the Marine Corps.

“They get to go through the same things we do as Marines.”

Kimberly, a Willow Park resident, has been a military wife for more than 10 years, but Saturday was her first time to join the “ranks” of the USMC.

“I have always wanted to do this, but something always came up,” she said. “I’m really excited. I always enjoy trying new things.”

The participating spouses, divided into five groups, had a very busy agenda for the day. Each group would get the opportunity to try a number of activities, each one instructed by a skilled veteran of the task.

Kimberly’s military trek began at the pistol range.

She admitted, at first she was a bit intimidated, even jumpy, as the gun recoiled and popped, but quickly found confidence and began to excel at the task.

Next stop, Marine Corps martial arts, a place where Kimberly began to learn why her husband was “so sore” when he would come home from work.

“It was fun,” Kimberly remarked of the hand-to-hand training. “I have a greater appreciation for my husband after he comes home from his martial arts training.”

After some hands-on education, the group moved on to nuclear biological chemical training, where the dreaded suits and masks where donned.

An authentic military lunch followed. The weekend warriors fell in line to grab up a Meal Ready to Eat, also known as an MRE.

Kimberly, who chose a grilled chicken sandwich meal on her husband’s recommendation, was less than impressed with the grab bagged gourmet.

“My husband said it was good, but I think he set me up,” she laughed. “It was OK, but the first bite was like, ‘Oh my God, what am I eating.’”

Aside from the chicken sandwich, Kimberly was also treated to jalapeno macaroni, an almond poppy seed biscuit and her favorite, a bag of M&M;’s.

After a hearty meal in a less-than-temperate aircraft hanger, the women headed to the F-18 simulator and night vision goggle training.

A chance to handle some larger weapons followed with a trip to the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, where the group learned the ins and outs of the M-16 rifle and other long-range firearms.

Kimberly’s day ended on the mud run course, where she dabbled in heavy equipment training.

“I was really looking forward to the heavy equipment training,” she said. “Everything looked fun, but the heavy equipment is what I really think of when I think about military guys.”

After a long day laden with tasks, which according to Kimberly were not as easy as they looked, the Marine Corps spouses were ready for some rest and relaxation.

And although the day was instituted for many reasons, one lasting lesson will stand stronger than the rest for the East Parker County resident, appreciation for her husband, and his job well done.

“These guys do so much more than we even realize,” Kimberly said. “It takes a great person to do what they do.

“I think what spouses can learn from a day like this is to give their Marine a break when he comes home. I know I’m going to do that.”

Kimberly’s husband said she has always been a supportive spouse, but he plans to hold her to her promise of a break every now an then.