WASHINGTON -- There is little doubt to those familiar with Army life that being stationed in the National Capital Region is atypical. The daily tasks, battle rhythms and life in the Military District of Washington (MDW), while different than previous duty stations and assignments, offers experiences to uniformed personnel so unique that the memories are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), provided just such a moment with their quarterly "Capitol Run" through the National Mall area, Sept. 7.

The morale run, just over three miles, featured stops at distinguished landmarks where HHC INSCOM Soldiers gave short briefings about the scope and historical context of the monuments and memorials they stood before.

It was the type of experience that makes serving in and around our nation's capital such a unique posting according to 2nd Lt. Stephen Galluzzi, executive officer, HHC INSCOM.

"Being stationed in the MDW gives our Soldiers an unparalleled opportunity to explore both our Nation's and our Army's history," said Galluzzi. "Soldiers can visit more memorials, battle sites, and monuments here in a week than they would be able to visit during an entire assignment at other duty stations."

About 30 HHC Soldiers, spanning all ranks, began the morning jog at the Washington Monument before continuing on to the White House, Lafayette Square and the war memorials positioned around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The quiet, empty streets and early fall sunrise setting provided the HHC personnel in attendance with a totally different experience than one undertaken by more than 25-million visitors each year.