3rd Intel Battalion Runs For Injured Marines
Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza
okinawa marine staff

http://www.firstgiving.com/okinawarun



What began as a conversation topic after physical training one morning between the Marines of 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, has become a 235-mile run around the perimeter of Okinawa, starting and ending at Peace Prayer Park at the southern end of the island.

The first of its kind, and coincidentally the number of years the Marine Corps has been around, a group of Marines decided to make the 235-mile trek around the island of Okinawa a fundraiser for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund helps service members who were injured in combat while serving with Marine units.

“It’s just Marines helping out Marines, that’s all,” said Gunnery Sgt. David A. Luna, operations chief, 3rd Intel Bn.

The team planned its route utilizing roads along the coastline keeping the water to their right side and following every contour of the island, said 2nd Lt. Gene Benito, training officer, 3rd Intel Bn.

The Marines used their own vehicles to transport water and food, and coordinated with the Japanese police to ensure it was okay to go through the towns and villages at night. The course took them through towns and by each base, said Capt. Brian J. VanHoose, operations officer, 3rd Intel Bn.

The plan was to start off together for a few miles, and then have each person switch out every 20 minutes until they approached the end where they all finished together, explained VanHoose.

The 11 Marines with 3rd Intelligence Bn. began the run July 22 at 8 p.m. and finished around 11 a.m. July 24.

“The first $1,000 we raised was from family and friends,” said Benito.

As of this week, the Marines have raised over $8,300, just $1,700 short of their goal, thanks to anonymous donors and other Marines.

The Marines say it’s just another P.T. session, but hope others follow in their footsteps.

“Maybe we will start something,” he said.

Maybe next year there will be more Marines involved. Who knows, it could become something that the Marines and Japanese people do together, he said.

For more information on the run, visit facebook.com and search Okinawa Runners, or to donate to their cause visit http://www.firstgiving.com/okinawarun">www.firstgiving.com/okinawarun.