Cardiac Run sparks Valentine’s Day spirit in 2nd Medical Bn.

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Devin Nichols | U.S. Navy Capt. Michael A. Sokolowski (right), a Fulton, Mich., native and commanding officer of 2nd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to Marines and sailors in the battalion about Valentine’s Day after the cardiac run at Soiffert Field aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 14, 2014. Service members had the option of wearing red to show their support of Valentine’s Day and to recognize a healthier lifestyle.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

02.14.2014

Story by Cpl. Devin Nichols 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day, is mostly identified for the exchange of greeting cards, flowers and even chocolate. Significant others are always cherished and recognized for this day of love.

However, approximately 118 Marines and sailors with 2nd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group came together to celebrate this Valentine’s Day a little differently.

In the cold morning mist, service members gathered at Soiffert Field Feb. 14 here, wearing red tops to show support for the Cardiac Run and Valentine’s Day.

“Marines and sailors were wearing red to promote a healthy heart,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Michael A. Sokolowski, the commanding officer of the battalion. “A lot of us forget that our spouses make a significant sacrifice and they support us, so we wanted to promote a healthier lifestyle and show our support to our family members for Valentine’s Day.”

Service members formed up into three companies and ran approximately three miles starting at Soiffert field, running to the 2nd MLG Headquarters and back.

“I think some people were surprised when we ran to the 2nd MLG building to ring the bell and see us in red,” said Sokolowski, a Fulton, Mich., native.

The day prior to the run, the battalion performed a safety stand-down in preparation for the President’s Day weekend. They also invited a nutritionist came in to talk about healthy lifestyles and promoting healthy eating habits.

“It was a unique idea and it was pretty cool that we are doing this,” said Lance Cpl. Stevon J. Coleman, a Des Moines, Iowa native and a supply clerk with Headquarter and Support Company, 2nd Medical Bn., 2nd MLG.

These kind of events motivate Marines and sailors to run faster and to be a part of the event, said Sokolowski. “They really enjoy doing this and working together, and I am just extremely proud of them. You couldn’t ask for any better participation.”

• Date Taken: 02.14.2014
• Date Posted: 02.14.2014 11:32
• Story ID: 120647
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: DES MOINES, IA, US
• Hometown: FULTON, MI, US