MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - Marines, sailors and families took part in the Semper Fit “That Guy” 5k fun run starting from the sports complex, down the Physical Fitness Test course and back aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 1.

The mission behind events like this is to create summer-long unit competitions, events utilizing programs that share the mission of eliminating illegal drug use and promoting responsible use of alcohol within the military.

“It gives Marines better knowledge about appropriate use of alcohol,” said Lance Cpl. Chad Jenson, a ground radio repair technician with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 and a Redondo Beach, Calif., native. “‘That Guy’ is the person in the group who is tripping over himself, does stupid things, gets laughed at and has to be babysat.”

Marines have not forgotten the idea behind the program; in fact, some have seen the trademark ‘Guy’ at work, out in town and on weekends.

“It’s a cool idea to get out of the shop and learn about these types of things,” said Jenson. “There are times when I’ve seen other groups of people who dealt with a person like ‘That Guy’ and I just think to myself, ‘Thank God I’m not with that guy because I don’t want take care of him.’”

The program is for Marines of every rank. To prove this and show their support, Col. John P. Farnam, the commanding officer for the air station and his wife, KathyJean, joined the event and ran with the Marines.

One thought behind the program with those who set it up was to help educate service members on the benefits of appropriate alcohol use.

“The campaign uses humor to deliver a serious message and provides viral tools so you can be part of the effort to eradicate “That Guy,” said Julie Carlson-Howard, a Semper Fit representative. “Staying healthy and keeping yourself ‘in check’ when drinking can still be fun and safe at the same time! Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it!”

After completing the run participants received free “That Guy” shirts as well as other various items in support of drug awareness and improved fitness awareness.

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This work, In step to step up: Marines, sailors fight substance abuse in military, by LCpl Christopher Johns, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.