Marne Week celebrates history, legacy with Family fun, friendly competition

By Patrick YoungNovember 14, 2019

Marne Week celebrates history, legacy with Family fun, friendly competition
The 3rd Infantry Division promotes esprit de corps and celebrates Marne history during Marne Week, Nov. 19-22. The agenda includes a division run, parachute demonstration, a range dedication, sporting events, a Family day and an awards ceremony. (G... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 3rd Infantry Division promotes esprit de corps and celebrates Marne history during Marne Week, Nov. 19-22.

The agenda includes a division run, parachute demonstration, a range dedication, sporting events, a Family day and an awards ceremony.

The division run kicks-off the week's events at 6:40 a.m. Nov. 19. Commuters can expect delays and detours after traffic control points are established at 6 a.m.

Following the run, the memory of Sgt. Stevon A. Booker will be observed with a range dedicated at Fort Stewart in his honor. Booker was recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic action during the initial ground assault into Baghdad, Iraq, known as the Thunder Run. He was killed in action on April 5, 2003, while returning fire during combat operations as his unit, 1st Battalion, 64 Armor Regiment attacked into the heart of the city.

Another unique opportunity takes place around 8:50 a.m. Nov. 20, when the Black Dagger parachute team helps jump start morning competitions with a parachute demonstration on Donovan Field.

The celebration shifts gear around 9 a.m. as many of the scheduled sporting events begin across the installation. While the majority of events start at 9 a.m., participants and audience members should stay tuned to the 3rd ID Facebook site and their activity coordinators as times, locations and event events may change throughout the week.

Soldiers hit the mat with combatives tournament at Johnson Fitness Center, Nov. 19 to 21. The tournament is a single elimination tournament with weigh-in and screening starting Nov. 18.

The east side of Donovan Field becomes the flag football gridiron Nov. 18 and 20 in a single elimination tournament played in two 20-minute halves.

In an event where Soldiers are sure to get dirty, the Marne Mudder requires teams to safely and successfully maneuver their members in heats of five teams every 30 minutes. The start and finish line is at the Cottrell Field Quick Track parking lot. Each team needs to report 30 minutes prior to their heat.

The Functional Fitness event is a three-day competition Nov. 19-21 at Thunder Field; which includes the Army Combat Fitness Test on day 1, an endurance challenge on day 2 and Soldiers skills assessments on day 3.

A single elimination basketball tournament is scheduled at Newman Fitness Center Nov. 19-20 where teams of no less than five players face off in standard bracket competition.

The annual golf tournament has four-person teams playing best ball. Teams can register at Taylors Creek, but the competition is at the Hunter Golf Course, 9 a.m. Nov. 19. The cost is $30 per team; which includes cart, green fees and range balls. Check-in is 7:30 a.m. Walk-ons will fill team cancellations or no shows.

Dodgeball is also featured at Newman Fitness Center at the tennis courts, Nov. 19. The event is single elimination with 15 minute matches - best two of three matches. Teams can consist of Soldiers and spouses.

A bowling tournament with up to 30 four-person teams will be held at Marne Lanes Nov. 19 and 20. The game cost $2 per game. The first round is covered by the bowlers, subsequent rounds will be covered by the USO. Shoes and bowling balls are available at no charge.

The softball tournament is scheduled to take place 8 a.m. Nov. 20 and 21 at the Bennett Softball Complex. The event is a seven-inning, single elimination. The eight-run rule is in effect. Games will not exceed 60 minutes each.

Soccer is Nov. 20-21 at the Hunter soccer field off Duncan Drive, near Tominac Fitness Center. The games will have two 20-minute halves.

Volleyball is Nov. 20-21 at Tominac Fitness Center on Hunter Army Airfield. It requires teams of no less than six players, no more than 10.

The Special Operations Challenge is Nov. 20. The event features a physical and mental competition on Army Special operation Forces assessment and selection events. Each battalion can fill up to three two-person teams to compete in a three-phased completion includes a five mile ruck, two mile ruck and the Marne obstacle course. Teams must negotiate all events together. Teams must check in by 8 a.m. Nov. 20 to compete, however, each team must receive a course orientation and safety brief at the SORB building, 160 on Fort Stewart 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 or 15.

A 200-meter swimming relay is at Newman Fitness Center, Nov. 20. It features teams of four, racing four legs - back, breast, fly and free style. Each team member is required to swim one leg.

A 5K race is Nov. 20 with three-person teams to run 5K starting in the vicinity of 15th Street and McFarland Avenue. A safety brief will be held at 8:15 a.m.

A 10K race starts in the vicinity of 15th Street and Tilton Avenue at 6 a.m. Nov. 21. Three members from each battalion will complete the 10K and have their times added to determine ranking.

Soccer-Tennis is Nov. 20-21 at Newman Fitness Center with six person teams in a best of three matches for normal play to 13 points; best of five for the finals.

The 3rd ID Family Day starts at noon Nov. 21 at Cottrell Field. The day includes interactive displays with games, food, music, fellowship and a movie on the lawn at 6 p.m. - Spiderman: Far from Home.

A spouse kick-ball tournament is on the field behind the IHG Army Hotels on Fort Stewart. The event is single elimination, three outs per inning. Including an eight-run rule. Games last no longer than 45 minutes each. Family members 16 and older can play.

Ultimate Frisbee is Nov. 20-21 on the west-end of Donovan Field, near the Winn Parking lot. The event is single elimination with two 15-minute halves.

The tug-o-war is Nov. 21 at the Quick Track, across from Newman Fitness Center. The event includes teams of six persons each.

A color run for Soldiers and Family members starts at the Quick Track at 4 p.m. Nov. 21. Colored chalk will be blown at the runners at various points along the run.

The Commander's Cup will be presented to the unit scoring the highest points. First place for each event is granted 50 points, 40 points for second, and 30 points for third. Several events have weighted scores including the Marne Mudder, functional fitness, combatives, the Special Operations Challenge, soccer and volleyball. Bowling and golf are medal only events. The top three for each category will be recognized.

Individuals interested in participating in events should contact their unit coordinators for time, location and team requirements. in participating in events should contact their unit coordinators for time, location and team requirements.