MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group commemorated the Marine Corps birthday by running 240 miles over a 40-hour period.
“It’s a sacrifice we are making for the 237th birthday,” said Sgt. Randy Bochner, martial arts instructor trainer, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. “There are Marines who are deployed right now making a sacrifice, so we can sacrifice two nights to give something back. It’s our way to honor the Marine Corps Birthday and the Marines who have served and are still serving.”
All the Marines who participated volunteered to run the two-mile course with just a buddy, proper protective gear, a radio and the company colors. The run started with the entire company and ended the same way.
“It’s really boosted the morale and camaraderie of the company,” said Bochner, who helped plan the run. “At first everyone doubted we would actually do it, but we did it.”
Participating runners spanned all the ranks of the company from private first class to captains, most running as many as three times around the course.
“One of our biggest worries was having enough personnel to complete it,” said First Sgt. Jose A. Orozco, company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. “We have Marines who are working all day and then coming to run at night.”
The camaraderie and motivation wasn’t only for them. Throughout the 40 hours of running, they were supported by fellow Marines and other base personnel during their runs, with honked horns, shouts of motivation and even joining in for a portion of the run
“It’s not something that’s only good for our company, but for the whole base,” said Orozco. “I’ve been getting calls all morning from people telling me it really motivated them.”
“While I was running we would have random people start running with us,” said Lance Cpl. Kimberly MartinLopez, administrative assistant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group.
The runners hoped to serve as an inspiration, as well as a reminder of what Marines have sacrificed over the last 237 years and what the Marines today are still sacrificing.
“The feeling while you are running is almost like when you got your Eagle, Globe and Anchor,” said Bochner. “You have time to really think about Marines who are deployed right now and that’s why we are doing it.”
Correspondent: tabitha.bartley@usmc.mil