For some Marines, mess night is a rare occasion that all Marines should take full advantage of, said Sgt. Iris M. Feliciano, wire noncommissioned officer in charge, communications platoon, 12th Marine Regiment.
"How often do Marines get in their best dress uniform and spend an evening like this with the people they work with?" the Chicago native asked. "It's rare to have everyone from a unit, from the commanding officer to the lowest private, all in one place to socialize with one another."
Feliciano also feels that mess night is more than just a tradition; it's a learning experience as well.
"Mess night builds knowledge on customs and courtesies, as well as camaraderie," Feliciano claimed. "One of its purposes is to build Esprit de Corps, and until you're a part of one it doesn't mean much."
For those who have not been a part of a mess night, Marines who have been around the Corps several years and attended many mess nights recommend that no one pass up the opportunity to participate in one.
"I strongly encourage all Marines to attend and support a mess night in their unit," said Sgt. Maj. Efrem A. Wilson, director of SNCO Academy. "It's all about educating, training and leading Marines."
