U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Colter J. Bahlau, the oncoming commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27 and a native of Michigan, gives remarks during the CLB-22 change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 18, 2024. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jack Labrador)
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Martial arts and combative sports are a skillset many people use for various ways. Some want to learn how to defend themselves in case they are ever attacked. Others have been involved in these sports for years and compete professionally. For U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Charles Copeland, the fire and effects coordination center chief at the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), martial arts and combative sports taught him how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Copeland grew up in a small town in Minnesota . Even when he was younger, he always found himself being told he couldn’t participate in challenging sports because of his smaller stature compared to the rest of the kids around him.
“I just...
