MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Approximately 35 spouses participated in a three-day-long Leadership Education Seminar (LES) at the Air Station Officers' Club, May 3.

Other military spouses presented the seminar, which is given biannually, with experience in leading small groups. The theme for the seminar was "Main Street Marine Corps; Building Our Community."

According to Ruth Mushallo, Marine Corps Community Services division of personnel services, LES began at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in 1988, and then went to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton before landing on Miramar.

"This is the third one here at Miramar," Mushallo said. "LINKS (Lifestyle Insight Networking Knowledge and Skills) is the first exposure for key spouses in the squadrons. This is the most sophisticated and lengthy of all the spouse training."

Enlisted and officer spouses alike received training and advice on topics such as leadership qualities, personality traits, communication skills, networking, leaving a legacy, working with the media and a uniform presentation with an emphasis on military etiquette.

The aim was to give the spouses many techniques to build professional and personal relationships within their respective commands. The outcome of the seminar was simple - give each spouse a chance to grow personally and build confidence in Marine Corps knowledge, and in their abilities to keep the daily home routines running smoothly when their spouse is away.

"I'm a teacher by trade, but I'm a Marine Corps wife by choice," said Pat Knoll. Knoll gave a class on leaving a legacy to the group. For one spouse in the crowd, the seminar gave her a stronger sense of commitment to being a Marine wife.

"I've been a Marine wife for a while now - seven years," said Didi Pelletier, wife of Staff Sgt. Owyn Pelletier, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 project foreman. "I have always supported my Marine by trying to provide the best home life possible, but this seminar also gave me several new avenues to explore."
The spouses who attended the most-recent LES were picked by their commands to go, although Mushallo also said that any spouse could call her to attend the next one.

According to Jackie Bolden, wife of Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, the seminar was benefited both the presenters and the attendees.

"The benefit was two-fold," she said. "For the spouses on the committee, this gives a sense of growth. It allows them to teach and mentor. The participants pick up skills that can be used. This program allows spouses to grow personally and professionally."

The seminars are given in the fall and spring of each year. Area spouses interested in attending the next LES can contact Mushallo at (858) 577-4099.