Field meet tests fitness, builds camaraderie

Approximately 140 Marines, suited in boot and utilities, participated in Headquarters and Service Battalion’s field meet Friday, on Barnett Field. The purpose of the meet was to foster camaraderie and give Marines an opportunity to do what they do best, said Capt. Thomas Holder, assistant operations officer at H&SBn.

"As Marines, we love competition and challenges, so what better way [to enjoy that] than to come out and participate in these events?," Holder asked. "It also brings units together that work and support each other but may not know one another personally."

Seven teams of 20 competed in six events including a pull of a seven-ton humvee, tire flip, tug of war challenge, dizzy-izzy, log exercise and relay run. Cheers and shouts could be heard from the crowd of Marines gathered on the field. Col. Robin Gallant, commander of H&SBn., was among them.

"I get inspired by watching them and just knowing that they’re having fun," Gallant said. "A lot of these Marines sit behind a desk all day, so to be able to get out here and have some good competition with other teams and hear some of the smack-talk that goes on — I mean, I live this stuff. I eat it up."

Sgt. Clevon Clarke, scanner screener at Manpower and Reserve Affairs, agrees that it’s a great way to build unity and connect with others. He met a Marine and found out that they both volunteer at the same "Operation Heroes" program, which is a nonprofit organization that mentors at risk youth of service members and veterans.

"I pick up his kids sometimes and we never even knew each other until today," Clarke said. "I love how this event brings everyone together. I’m usually in my office around my little circle, so it’s hard to broaden it and this is good way to do just that."

This was the second field meet of the year aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. Much of the event success was attributed to Johnny Bess, Marine Corps Community Services coordinator, who lead coordinating the logistics, tents, tables and food for the event.