MND-B Soldiers host Annual Torch Run

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Hillary Mann, event coordinator and a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., who serves as the battalion adjutant with the 716th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, explains the details of the process that were executed for the Special Olympics Torch Run.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.09.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. Marizol Ruiz
Multi-National Division - Baghdad Public Affairs Official

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A piece of America was brought to Iraq when Soldiers from the 716th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along with their civilian partners, participated in the Annual 5-K Torch Run in support of the Special Olympics Organizations in Kentucky and Tennessee on March 30.

As the crowd poured in at 6 a.m., approximately 300 participants took their places at the registration tables for the run.

The run, a historical event, which has been carried out by the 716th MP Bn. for more than 10 years, is an opportunity for service members and civilians get together and join forces to raise awareness for the cause of the Special Olympics.

"We were not expecting that many runners; we only prepared for 240 to show up," said Capt. Hillary Mann, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., who serves as the event coordinator and battalion adjutant with the 716th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Bde.

"The battalion's long-standing relationship with the Kentucky Special Olympics Organization has allowed it to sponsor and raise funds in the past for the organization," she added.

Prizes included T-Wall trophies for the top runners in the female and male categories, and coins were presented to the torch bearers.

The first-place male winner was Sgt. Martin Ventura, a native of Fort Hood, Texas, who serves as a supply clerk with the 64th MP Bn., MND-B, finished with a time of 18:05. The first female to cross the finishing line in 20:02, was Spc. Amanda Fia, a native of Fort McCoy, Wis., who serves as a Combat Medic with the 851st Vertical Engineer Company, MND-B.

Some of the participating Soldiers had a connection to the Special Olympians. Whether it was their children, a member of their family or community, they were dedicated to the cause.

"Today I am taking part in the event mainly in support of my younger brother, Dexter Hoover, who is a 15-year-old victim of cerebral palsy," said Spc. Derrick Hahns, a native of Herbert Field, Fla., who serves with the 2nd Battlefield Coordination Detachment, 81st Regional Readiness Command. "He is also a Special Olympian, and today I am running in his honor. I have his name printed on my T-shirt."

The command team was happy with the battalion's participation and what the event meant to the Soldier.

"I am very motivated about the folks who came out to support the Special Olympics today," said Lt. Col. Darryl Johnson, commander of the 716th MP Bn., and a native of Newport, Tenn. "The Special Olympics Torch Run is a great event because it has the Special Olympians coupled with the law enforcement community, and as a military police battalion, it's a perfect connection. It shows how the military remembers and cares about them."

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Palmer, an Acorn, Ohio, native, who serves as the Command Sergeant Major for the 716th MP Bn., said the event did as much good for the Soldiers as it did for the community.

"All the Soldiers really like doing this kind of activity. Anything given back to the community is an honor," said Palmer.

"It's a great opportunity for us to give back while we're here, and it also gives the Soldiers a chance to take a break and take their minds off the war for a little while," he added.

The Special Olympics is an organization that provides sports training and athletic competition for individuals with mental and developmental disabilities.

Soldiers serving in Iraq go the extra mile every day for their country, but bringing the spirit of America and taking the time out to participate in a traditional event in a combat zone seemed to reveal the true honor and dedication of the service members.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2008
• Date Posted: 04.09.2008 16:39
• Story ID: 18235
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ