About me: From 22-26 October 2008 the newly formed Team Esprit De Corps will be running in the 33rd annual Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF). However, we wanted to do something different. So in typical Jarhead fashion we are about to embark on something that many would consider “a little extreme”. The four of us will endure 177.5 miles of running in order to raise funds and awareness for our wounded Marines, Sailors, and their families through the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Why do you ask? While there are hundreds of reasons why anyone would want to voluntarily endure several days of sweat, sacrifice and pain the one that stands out to us the most is: “taking care of our own”. That’s a phrase that has been ingrained in every Marine’s “brain housing group” since the birth of the Corps back in 1775. From the boot Private to the Commandant of the Marine Corps each Marine has a certain sense of obligation to their brothers in arms. If a fellow Leatherneck is short a few bucks until payday his brother will spot him until he gets back on his feet again. If a Devil Dog has nowhere to go for the holidays it is his brother who will invite him over for a Thanksgiving feast before allowing him to spend a 96 alone in the barracks. I can go on and on but the point being is that Marines take care of Marines. Not because the Gunny tells them to or else there will be hell to pay. It’s because Marines believe in looking out for and taking care of one another.
So, from 22-25 October, the four of us will endure 37.8 miles of running per day for four days straight. Our starting location will be none other than the site where Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Marine Corps, once proudly stood in the city of brotherly love known as Philadelphia. We will make our way through some of the historical landmarks in the area and navigate our way safely to the MCM start point in Arlington, VA. Then on Sunday October 26th we will complete all 26.2 miles of the MCM. Yes it is a lot of miles. Of course it will be difficult. At times we may even feel that it will be nearly impossible to finish. But the small amount of pain and suffering we will endure for a short period of time is nothing compared to what these wounded warriors have gone through. Not to mention the challenges they will have to endure for the rest of their lives.
All in all, this event has definitely sparked a great amount of interest in people which has also brought out the best in all of them as well. I’m not just talking about the generous donations that have been pouring in either. I’m talking about one Marine in particular who has renewed my faith in society by demonstrating an inspirational act of unselfishness. The unsung hero that I’m referring to is a dedicated Marine that goes by the name of Freddy.
Freddy is a fellow Gunnery Sergeant who works with Joe, a member of our team, and asked one day if he could make a donation to our cause. While Joe was graciously willing to accept a $10, $20, or even $25 donation Freddy was thinking more along the lines of paying for each team member's entry fee into the MCM. That’s over $400!!! ($408.70 to be exact) What an awesome act of unselfishness and generosity! We couldn’t thank Freddy enough! I mean here is one individual who before this didn’t know any of us except for Joe. Who upon hearing what we were about to attempt offered us this generous gift. It’s truly amazing and comforting to know that there are people like Freddy out there in the world. After many thanks made to him by our team Freddy’s modest response was, “Not a problem…You guys make me want to be a better runner!” Well Freddy, you make me want to be a better human being! Thanks again brother!
Freddy’s generous contribution to our cause metaphorically opened the door to the journey that we are about to embark. So as our team moves ahead toward it’s objective we look forward to the 177.5 mile historical endurance challenge we are about to face. By demonstrating to the American public the loyalty and devotion four motivated Marines have for their beloved Corps we hope to capture the essence of the Marine Corps spirit every step of the way. When all the sweat, sacrifice and pain we are about to endure over the next several months comes to an end in October we will have undoubtedly sustained the very essence of our team’s namesake: Esprit De Corps!
Semper Fi!
Team Esprit De Corps
http://www.active.com/donate/teamsemperfi08/TunTavern
Great Job fellas!!! I know you feet, calfs and Hammy's are probably burning right now but a good ice bath is the next phase for your cool down. The best part is while sitting in the ice bath you have plenty of room to keep your BEER cold! HA HA HA Never waste an opportunity for a joke! Congrats and Semper FI!!!!!!
Good Luck on your Journey today fellas. May God Bless you all and may his Angels keep you safe from harm!!!!! I'll be praying for all you guys until this is over, you have no idea how proud I am of you all, especially my Lil Primo Joesph Garcia. Ooooooh Rah and take care!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH rah!!!!!! My brothers Freakin' OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH RAH!!!!!!! What you guys are doing is awesome, God Bless you on your quest!!
My Dear Good Brother and Friends, God Bless you all on this journey. You all are truly heroes. May God give you strength,guidence in this tough run. I am praying for you all. Love, Cindy
"SEMPER FIDELIS" It is great to see the spirit is alive. GOOD LUCK GOD SPEED, "KILL" Like what you are doing we all need something to motivate our own lives, we need to feel we made an impact, and as MARINES you do that everyday. What a wonderful cause.
IT IS THE MARINE CORPS THAT WILL STRIP AWAY THE FACADE SO, EASILY CONFUSED WITH SELF. IT IS THE CORPS THAT WILL OFFER THE PAIN NEEDED TO BUY THE TRUTH, AND AT LAST EACH WILL OWN THE PRIVILLAGE OF LOOKING INSIDE HIMSELF TO DISCOVER WHAT TRULY RESIDES THERE. GO GET IT GUNNERY SERGEANT AND THE REST OF YOU HARD DOGS!!!! GY
I am extremely proud of my kid bro Dennis for having the discipline in making this happen not only for himself but for a great cause!!! good luck to you and your crew!!
Sorry I would LOVE to make it out there, my cousin Is Joe Garcia. I'm a former 2542 who in his prime used to love to hit the pavement!!!! But like most Veterans I'm out of shape and right now I'm also Disabled. My right ankle if fried and I need surgery in April to hopefully fix it. As it stands I have 0% flexibility i'm shooting for at least 30%, that way I can get my cardio back and shed some opounds. Don't worry tho I'm a Hard Charger who STILL kicks ASS and takes names! HA HA HA Best of Luck to you all and God Bless!!!! Adam
DAMN!!!!! You guys talk to any shoe companies about sponsoring your team? It worth a try, I remember running in the Corps and everyyear I would buy new shoes. You guys must put tons of miles on yours so it's gotta get expensive!!! Ask around maybe you can bet some help. Oooooooooooooh Rah my brothers, OOOOOOOOHHHHH RAH!!!!!!
Oooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh FREAKIN' Rahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Hey fellas I read that your starting your run in Philly but the end got cut off. Where are you gonna finish at????
whatever i had a legit injury man. I don't know if I'll be running another marathon for awhile. I would like to before I get out the corps which will be in 2011 but I don't really see it happening. I don't think I could get myself to train for it without a partner. Who knows though. How's things stateside? Oh can u send me marty's email in a message? Kind of miss the ole battle axe..
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