CLB-1 H&S Marines observe Independence Day with 5 mile run

Photo By Lance Cpl. Cindy Alejandrez | Marines and Sailors with Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, proudly display their certificates, along with a copy of the Declaration of Independence after finishing five miles to celebrate Independence Day.  

FALLUJAH, IRAQ

07.04.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Cindy Alejandrez 

1st Marine Logistics Group

By Lance Cpl. Cindy G. Alejandrez
1st Marine Logistics Group

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Marines and Sailors with Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, commemorated Independence Day by competing in a five-mile run.

The 14 service members started the run early in the morning to beat the day's quickly rising heat.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Delfino Vega, a 38-year-old, leading petty officer, Battalion Aid Station, H&S Co., CLB-1 and 1st Sgt. David P Leach, 39, company first sergeant, H&S Co., CLB-1, were the fastest runners. They tied for first place with a time of 35 minutes and 38 seconds.

"I think the most challenging part was just keeping my pace and staying hydrated," said Lance Cpl. Ilisapeti M. Feleti, 25, from San Francisco, field wireman, H&S Co., CLB-1.

Staying mentally and physically fit while on deployment is important for the well-being of the Marines and Sailors and overall effectiveness of the whole unit, said Leach, from Hatfield, Penn.

After the event, the participants cooled down and stretched, then received a certificate of completion for showing their support.

"I would have loved to have been back home enjoying fireworks with my family," said Vega, from Sunnyvale, Calif. "But we're here doing our part to help rebuild Iraq and I'm happy to be doing that."

• Date Taken: 07.04.2008
• Date Posted: 07.08.2008 07:51
• Story ID: 21287
• Location: FALLUJAH, IQ