CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines and Sailors from Cherry Point got front-row seats to see the U.S. Naval Academy sink the East Carolina University Pirates, 56-28, thanks to the Single Marine Program and the Havelock Military Affairs Committee.

Despite the cold, wet weather blown in by Hurricane Sandy on its northward trek, free tickets and game-day camaraderie kept the service members’ spirits high.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel Goodwin. “It was a good opportunity for me and a lot of other Marines to interact with each other (outside of work) for a change.”

Goodwin, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, didn’t go to the game with a must-win team in mind.

“I was rooting for a good game,” said Goodwin. “I was rooting for Navy for obvious reasons, but we live in eastern North Carolina. I mostly wanted to see some good plays on either end.”

Jen Krivohlavy, a Single Marine Program coordinator, said it is extremely important for these events to happen because it provides Marines and Sailors with the “complete trip.” The trip included round-trip transportation and free food.

For Krivohlavy and many of the Marines and Sailors who attended, this was the first live college football action they had experienced.

“This was one of those times to come out and have fun; safe fun, which is what it’s all about,” said Goodwin.

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