CAMP STANLEY, Republic of Korea - The 2nd Infantry Division stood true to their motto: "second to none" when they honored their fallen comrades during a late Memorial Day 5 kilometer walk/run May 30 at Camp Stanley.
The run was sponsored by the Camp Stanley Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers and was scheduled for May 23, but due to bad weather, was changed to a week later.
The event began with a prayer by Sgt. 1st Class Corye Carrington, 2ID Chaplain operation's noncommissioned officer and second place runner in the women's 30 and over age group.
Carrington prayed and spoke of something that many remembered throughout the entire day: understanding the importance of remembering fallen comrades. Carrington elaborated more on her prayer saying afterward, "I want to ensure we understand why this day is important and not just a day off, but a day to remember our fallen comrades. Any one of us could have been in their place."
BOSS set up the 5 kilometer run (3.1 miles) so participants from Warrior Country could either walk or run.
Awards were given to the top three walkers and runners. Prizes were also given to the top three walkers and runners ages 30 and over and 29 and under.
Following Carrington's prayer, Command Sgt. Maj. Nidal Saeed, USAG-Casey Command Sgt. Maj., spoke on behalf of the garrison chain of command saying how pleased he was to see everyone coming out to support their buddies, friends, Family members, and loved ones lost in the military over the years.
The event began with Command Sgt. Maj. Bobby Williams, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 304th Signal Battalion Command Sgt. Maj., explaining the route to the runners and walkers.
"This is a special event because we are doing this for the Soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Williams said, "and if you feel good about nothing else, feel good about this."
The 3-mile route was comprised of many hills causing the runners to fatigue before the first mile. Water points were placed at various locations to help irrigate the runners.
"I enjoy running for good causes," said Cpt. Alex Glade, Warrior Readiness Company Commander and first place winner of the women's section. "It was an honor to run with other Soldiers who want to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
The competition was close. Sgt. 1st Class Mario Cooper, Company B 304th
Stanley BOSS 5 kilometer run honors fallen comradesSignal Battalion, and first place winner of the men's section, found a second wind and finished before the first walker. The two were separated by almost an hour.
Cooper explained how he trained by running in other events BOSS and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation offer to Soldiers.
"Winning first place feels good; I was motivated running for our fallen comrades (in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom). It gave me an extra push to keep moving, and something to think about when I began to slow down," Cooper said. "This event is about doing something selfless, and I am glad it had an excellent turnout."
Glade and Cooper gave their prizes, a gift certificate for Army and Air Force Exchange Services and a free pair of running shoes, to the second place male and female runners.
"I run and do the FMWR events to be a good example and for the fun of running," Glade said. "Everything else is a bonus; winning running shoes and being able to give those to someone else is how my mother taught me to be."
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