Photo By Staff Sgt. Mariah Jones | Soldiers of 2d Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment join in running in the...... read more read more
Story by 1st Lt. Jennifer Polanco
El Paso, TEXAS- Running is good for both the heart and the soul. The United States Army Soldiers can often be found in the early hours of the morning being led on long runs, singing cadence to maintain pace and morale. Running is a centerpiece exercise that has helped the Army train and maintain the physical standards of its Soldier. In addition to the physical benefits, running can develop a sense of belonging by uniting participants in a shared experience or create a sense of metaphysical serenity in the runner through solitary exercise. Running has helped many Soldiers develop a sense of pride and community within their Unit and within the broader community where they are stationed. In El Paso, the Fort Bliss community makes up a large portion of the population, living alongside native El Pasoans and constituting an integral part of the diverse city. Members of the Sun City Community unite through a common love of running. Runners from all over the city seek belonging in the roads, pavement under their feet and the wind at their back. On February 17, 2019, El Pasoans and the Fort Bliss community united behind running and volunteering at the 2019 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon. The Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon is a 26.2 mile race that has occurred annually for over a decade in the Sun City. Soldiers from 2d Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade of Fort Bliss wanted to share their El Paso pride with their community alongside their civilian neighbors. Soldiers of the unit set up a water station at mile 21 and volunteered 10 pacers for the 26.2 mile route that began and ended at the Southwest University Park. The pacers consisted of male and female officers and enlisted Soldiers who were experienced runners within 2-43 ADA Battalion. These experienced runners were led by their very own Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Brennon Kavanaugh. His wife, Denise, and him are members of the Coffee Possee Running Club which coordinated all the Pacers that volunteered at the El Paso Marathon. The water station at mile 21 of the race was led by Alpha and Charlie Battery Executive Officers of 2-43 ADA; 1st Lt. Leila Fitzgerald and 1st Lt. Ciara Gerald. Over 30 Soldiers from the 2-43 ADA Battalion gathered at the water station to hand out much needed water, Gatorade, and snacks to runners. The refreshments provided a boost in morale and energy in those who had approximately 5.2 miles left to run. Though the Soldiers of 2-43 ADA BN constituted a minority of the 2500 participants in attendance, their contribution to the runners and the El Paso Community made a big impact in further strengthening the bond between the citizens of City of El Paso and the Soldiers of Fort Bliss. The Soldiers of 2-43 look forward to participating in the 12th annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, never hesitating to go the extra mile and will always be in it for the long run.
| Date Taken: | 02.17.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2019 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 318716 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Warriors Running For A Purpose, by SSG Mariah Jones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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