FORT POLK, La. -- Soldiers of the 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and Fort Polk's Directorate of Emergency Services partnered with local law enforcement to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run from Leesville to Alexandria May 19.
About 40 Soldiers, led by Lt. Col. David Detz, 519th MP Bn commander, and Lt. Col. James Marshall, DES director, took on the challenge of running and carrying the torch.
The event started at the First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville with a small breakfast and fellowship with the Olympians. The Olympians took the first leg of the run carrying the torch through Leesville. Military and local law enforcement alternated carrying the torch to Alexandria. Along the route, runners and Special Olympians stopped for a barbecue. During a break from the run,
Soldiers had the opportunity to spend time with the Special Olympic athletes. A couple of the athletes showed off some of their martial arts techniques and arm wrestling skills. Once in Alexandria, the Soldiers and law enforcement officers ran through the Special Education School as students and staff cheered. The run concluded at the Alexandria Amphitheater where all agencies were recognized.
The 519th MPs and DES were happy to go the distance to support the community and Special Olympics.
"It was long but it was fun to share the day with my peers, NCOs and chain of command," said Pvt. Daniel Hines, 272nd Military Police Company. "It gave us the opportunity to push ourselves to accomplish a mission that benefited the Special Olympics. I really enjoyed the fellowship before the run. I had a lot of fun and can't wait to do it again next year."
Soldiers who ran 20 miles or more were Pfc. Lisa Manela, 272nd MP Co, and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Weaver, 209th Military Police Company. Others ran eight-19 mile stretches during the run.
"It was my first time participating in the run; it builds great camaraderie between Fort Polk law enforcement and (civilian) agencies," said Capt. John Ferrell, 519th MP Bn/DES.
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