MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- Throughout the year, an elite group of people have been readying themselves for one of the greatest and most challenging events the United States Marine Corps offers, the 35th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
Six Marines and civilian-Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Marine Corps Logistics Command and Maintenance Center Albany came together armed with courage and determination, competed in the marathon October 31.
While training for the marathon, some of the team members had to overcome obstacles such as injuries, deployments and temporary additional duty orders. However, this did not stop them from competing. These individual’s commitment to being “The Few, The Proud” came to light as they put their heart and passion into preparing for 26.2 - mile race known as “The People’s Marathon.”
1stLt. Sarah Ray, adjutant, MCLB Albany, and her mother, Julie Ray, enjoyed their accomplishment as the only mother-daughter team from the base to run the marathon together.
“What makes the Marine Corps Marathon truly a unique experience is witnessing the multitude of individuals running not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and comrades. It is for this reason the MCM is truly ‘The People’s Marathon,’” Ray said. “I am proud to complete another marathon with fellow Marines and civilian-Marines. I am very happy to have completed the race with my mother. I am excited about future races, to include the 2011 MCM, and can’t wait to run alongside my fellow Albany runners.”
Although enduring pain in his right knee, civilian-Marine Chris Shaw from MCA, showed that the Marine Corps’ core value of commitment is as alive in his soul and imbedded in his heart. Shaw’s “Uncommon Valor...” was showcased through his commitment to finish the marathon and was exemplified as his “...Common Virtue” as he victoriously crossed the finish line at the Marine Corps Memorial.
For Master Sgt. Rolanda Bailey, SASSY Retrograde Section, LOGCOM, this was her first time competing in the marathon.
Another LOGCOM runner, Capt. Richard Jennings, Future Operations officer, Logistics Operations Center, finished his race in a personal best of 2 hours, 36 minutes and 20 seconds. Having kept a low profile about his sore hip, Jennings’ 5:59 per mile pace is nothing short of extraordinary. Jennings was part of the Marine Corps Running Team.
Alongside the runners, the 35th MCM also welcomed those in wheelchairs and hand-cranked bikes who were wounded while serving in Overseas Contingency Operations.
It was a true honor and privilege to run with those who have literally given an arm, a leg and so much more to ensure the opportunities we are afforded by living in this country are upheld.
The 36th Marine Corps Marathon is schedule for October 30, 2011. For more information on how to become a member of the Marine Corps Community Services-sponsored running team, call Bailey at (229) 639-8017.