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Donations were accepted for the 2016 Headquarters and Service Battalion Field Meet at Butler Stadium in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society active duty fund drive on April 14. The day included: a physical training log race, dizzy izzy, running of the ranks relay, tug-of-war, 50-meter tactical vehicle pull, flag football, and a two-man tire flip.

Photo by Ida Irby

A great day for a Field Meet

21 Apr 2016 | Ida Irby Marine Corps Base Quantico

Instead of reporting to work, 120 Marines participated in the 2016 Headquarters and Service Battalion Field Meet at Butler Stadium in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMRS) active duty fund drive on April 14.

The fundraiser for the Relief Society extended invites to Marines beyond the base. MCBQ Marines competed against Marine Barracks Washington 8th & I.

“Our competitive nature draws us to events like this. While the camaraderie and esprit de corps are exhilarating, the true end state for this annual field meet is to raise awareness of the NMCRS,” said Capt. John Irwin, Combat Development Company commanding officer and NMCRS active duty fund drive leader.

It seems nothing could keep 10 teams of Marines from displaying their brute strength in a showcase of high endurance activities. Pairs of Marines showed some backbone and speed during the flipping of an XL Michelin tractor tire. This event was followed by a 200-meter four-man relay race of steamrolling Marines, titled running of the ranks.

The dizzy izzy was one of seven activities included in the field meet. It is an infrequent scene: a Marine spinning on a bat then bursting into a staggering full sprint.

A display of will and power was also shown in a 50-meter tactical vehicle pull. Still, the 12-man teams saved a bit of energy to muscle through a game of flag football.

“The warrior culture of the Marines makes this a suitable way to host a fundraiser,” said Sgt. Anthony Fajardo, Combat Development Company training chief.

“We all work in small cubicles, but a few times a year we get to come out and build camaraderie with new Marines and break our shells,” said team captain Sgt. Michael Matsui, Marine Corps Intelligence Activity intelligence specialist.

Matsui was a highly motivated team captain, who worked to secure another win for the reigning champions of the field meet events. The group from Marine Corps Intelligence Agency continued their winning streak, with the help of their most valuable player Sgt. Riley Millberger.

The field meet’s large turnout perpetuated the Headquarters and Service Battalion leaders’ continued support of NMCRS efforts.

“We wanted to continue the tradition of supporting the [NMCRS] … and educate Marines of how important it is, not to just have fun, but to support Marines today and in the future,” said Sgt. Maj. Thomas L. Johnson, Headquarters and Service Battalion sergeant major.

A pledge form, which is available through Active Duty Fund Drive unit coordinators, is the best way to give to the active duty fund drive. If you don’t know who your unit coordinator is, call Capt. John Irwin at 703-784-6488.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com

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