2nd Supply Battalion Marines Contribute to the Community

Photo By Cpl. Mary Kohlmann | U.S. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, pass canned goods down a line on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 10, 2023. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion hiked a total of six miles carrying and later donating hundreds of canned goods to a local charity in Jacksonville, North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Kohlmann)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

03.13.2023

Story by Lance Cpl. Mary Kohlmann 

2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC – U.S. Marines donate to a local charity while maintaining physical toughness.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducted a six-mile battalion hike while contributing canned goods to a local charity in Onslow County, North Carolina, March 10, 2023.

Marines hike as a unit to fulfill training and readiness requirements, which require Marines to carry a multitude of issued gear in their packs to sustain combat readiness. This month 2nd Supply Battalion Marines were given a choice to fill their packs with canned goods for donation, instead of the standard issued gear, as long as both weighed the required 50 pounds. Many Marines took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the charity event.

“It's good to build relationships with the local community,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Schnackenberg, the future operations officer of 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, “In doing this we're putting on a positive face for the Marine Corps, especially in a time of peace, where we can buckle down and instill ourselves within the community as a positive force.”

While a majority of charity events happen during the holiday season, 2nd Supply Battalion recognizes families in the local communities and their struggles all year round.

“We purposefully picked this part of the year, rather than the peak season where people tend to do a lot of charity events, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas time, because now is the time when those food pantries are flush,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karin Fitzgerald, the commanding officer of 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, "People are in need, but there's no event.”

Marines hiked three miles to the halfway point and staged their packs. Those who brought supplies to donate unloaded their donations, placed them into designated boxes, and loaded them into a van.

The ratio of canned goods and space allotted for the donations was underestimated, with supplies overflowing the boxes provided. Not only was there not enough space in the boxes, but the floor of the van was covered in donations as well.

“Donating with my fellow Marines makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger,” said Lance Cpl. Yahir Arcia, a supply chain and materiel management specialist with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, “ I feel like I've accomplished something important today.”

Strongly focused on core values, 2nd Supply Battalion showcased their commitment not only to Marines and the Marine Corps, but to their local community through their actions. Since Marines get stationed worldwide, they are dedicated to maintaining community relations, both home and abroad. 2nd Supply Battalion ensured to involve themselves into the local community, giving support when possible, and proving that they genuinely care about the citizens in need.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2023
• Date Posted: 03.21.2023 13:35
• Story ID: 440288
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US