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Spas offer Marine Corps birthday massage

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Hands down, Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message is the Corps’ defining why-it’s-important-to-celebrate-the-birthday letter.

But what if the general’s 1921 directive also expressed how he wanted Marines to get a little more hands-on?

We’re not talking about the 10 “off-limits” establishments — places like Tender Touch or Smitty’s R&R — within a 20-mile radius of the eastern North Carolina Marine base named in honor of the 13th commandant.

There are reputable, legitimate places Marines can go to get a relaxing massage that won’t get you NJP’d or prompt divorce proceedings.

Take Hairtage Salon & Day Spa, a posh joint that, in conjunction with the Marine Corps birthday, recently rolled out a new service called Warrior Day Spa.

“I’ve seen more Marines in here in the last two weeks,” said Marty Keeley, the spa’s marketing manager.

The total warrior spa package includes the Devil Dog Mineral Salt Glow, Leatherneck Therapeutic Massage, Warrior Facial and Sea Service Spa Pedicure. Whether you’re just back from Mojave Viper or Iraq, the people at Hairtage say this package will revive, rejuvenate and relax.

“Basically, this four-hour spa treatment is focused on cleansing the body of foreign debris,” Keeley said. “They walk out of here feeling much, much better. We’ve had a real nice response to it. The military probably makes up 70 percent of our customer base, active duty and retired. We really take this very seriously in trying to provide a good service to these guys.”

Sure, many guys are a little hesitant about spa services. But Keeley said spouses are the ones booking the services in many cases. The most popular services among Marines are massages, followed by pedicures, Keeley said.

Massages are in such high demand, in fact, the spa is adding a fifth massage therapist to its staff.

Ruth McNeil, a licensed massage and body work therapist at About Faces Skin Care & Massage in Jacksonville, said she’s surprised she doesn’t see more leathernecks heading in for massages.

“If anything, I’ve noticed that people in the military need an hour and a half,” she said. “The packs they carry — knees and shoulders — it’s hard to get everything in in just an hour.”

Massages, she said, are preventative maintenance for the body. Just as your car needs its oil changed regularly, your body’s muscles and soft tissue need relief.

“It’s definitely not any kind of substitute for general medicine,” McNeil said. “It can oftentimes help prevent problems from happening. I personally try to get one every two weeks. You just come in as often as you can. Some people need it every week. Some people can do it two weeks. Some people just do it once a month.”

Now, if only the commandant would give a massage allowance.