MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GUAM -- MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GUAM — A new Single Marine Program lounge opened its doors to service members at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on Jan. 31, 2025, offering a modern, vibrant space for Marines and Sailors to unwind, socialize, and relax after a busy workday.
The lounge, located above the postal office on the base, was designed to create a community-focused environment where single Marines and Sailors can connect and take part in recreational activities. Some amenities include comfortable seating, video game consoles, a pool table that can turn into an air hockey table and table tennis, and large screen televisions for viewing sports and movies.
“Today marked the grand opening of the SMP lounge here on MCB Camp Blaz, the first SMP here,” said Sgt. Maj. Daniel Soto, command sergeant major of MCB Camp Blaz. “It’s a big deal, because this translates to one step closer to establishing Camp Blaz, and it’s a huge thing for all our single marines and sailors.”
Establishing the SMP Lounge is just one step within the program. The SMP and its counsel are working to build up and support single Marines and Sailors stationed at Camp Blaz, which continues to grow in both size and mission. The program aims to provide recreational, social, and community-building opportunities tailored to the needs of single-service members, with a focus on mental wellness, fitness, and morale.
“Single service member programs are a great way to develop new friendships and reinforce existing ones,” said Patrick Szigeti, Camp Blaz’s SMP coordinator. “These programs support the overall quality of single service members’ lives by identifying common challenges, recommending ways to address these concerns through the chain of command, encouraging and assisting single service members in identifying and planning recreation and leisure activities, and providing single service members with the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities.”
Opening day featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by base leadership, Marine Corps representatives, and service members. Guests were treated to refreshments, giveaways, and guided tours of the new facility.
“Our ceremony consisted of getting everyone available to come down and celebrate,” said Soto. “The Marines and sailors enjoyed a lot of food, then they toured the building and broke bread. They did what Marines do best, and that’s celebrating that esprit de corps and that camaraderie with each other.”
The new lounge is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free for all single Marines and Sailors stationed at Camp Blaz. With its inviting atmosphere, the SMP Lounge is expected to become a popular gathering spot for service members seeking both relaxation and community.
“The future of the SMP is looking bright as this is the beginning of a long journey to improve the quality of service and support the single service members,” said Szigeti. “The program will start small with this space and grow to its new facility in the future with the opening of the new SMP on the main base.”