Marines

COVID-19: The Good in every Evil

20 Apr 2020 | Lance Cpl. Samantha Sanchez Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii has been proactive in prevention and precautions towards  COVID-19. U.S. Marines aboard MCBH have been conducting themselves in accordance with service-level directives and guidelines during this difficult time.

“I work at the Communication Strategy and Operations facility aboard Camp Smith,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeriel Nunez, combat photographer, U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific. “When I first heard about the outbreak I didn’t think much of it.” he said.

I found out about COVID-19 when I was opening up for my shop, said Nunez.

“I had to look up news articles for my deputy,” he explained, “I saw news that the outbreak was happening in China and that it was spreading to other countries.”

At first I did not take it seriously, Nunez said.

“I didn’t think it was of too much concern given the demographics of the age group primarily affected,” he stated. “I was not concerned at all when it first broke out, I mean people were making memes about it!” he chuckled.

After realizing that it was spreading rapidly Nunez became concerned.

“I started cleaning my room a lot more,” he explained, “I only go out for necessities now.”

Although COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes in our daily lives, its opened our eyes to just how rapidly germs spread and how cautious everyone needs to be.

“I’ve been really adamant about staying in contact with my family,” Nunez said, “Mostly to make sure they’re good but most importantly to express the importance of sanitation.”

Recently, COVID-19 has affected families more than anything.

”Once I found out that it was persistent and it was a legitimate problem in this world I thought about my family first,” U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Vincent Figueroa, ammunition operations chief, MARFORPAC, explained, “To try and figure what type of plan we should have to not expose ourselves to COVID-19.”

Things at work have also changed for Figueroa, now he teleworks so he’s at home more often, he explained.

“I do believe that there’s a good in every evil,” he said, “because of this I was able to, in a way, reconnect with my son.”

Working at home has provided Figueroa time with his family that he never had before. He now gets to spend more one on one time with Lincoln, his 29 month old son.

“When it comes to family this is a cup half full situation, it gives me more time with them that I wouldn’t have otherwise.” he explained.


Marine Corps Base Hawaii