ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, commanding general of Army Sustainment Command, ASC Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Blake, officers, enlisted Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Department of the Army civilians gathered March 2 for the Rocking Resiliency Road March.
The march began with a dedication of the event to the memory of a fallen soldier, Pfc. David R. Fahey Jr., who was killed Monday by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
"Resiliency is about standing shoulder to shoulder," said Blake. "We all went out there carrying the weight of David and left behind our own troubles. You could see everyone coming together, and becoming a more resilient team," he said.
The 4.1 mile march was a team building event. Interaction amongt the uniformed and civilian participants was encouraged, as Blake emphasized getting to know each other.
"You could be standing next to someone you may not know, so introduce yourself and get to know them," he said to the assembled group.
Since civilians comprise an overwhelming majority of the ASC workforce, leaders are eager to welcome them to events like the road march.
"I really appreciated the invitation to participate in the road march," said Bill Holdorf, Defense Logistics Agency customer support representative. "It was a worthwhile event that highlighted the values that Fontaine and Blake place on fitness, readiness and teamwork."
Department of the Army civilian and ASC employee Barb Lutrell said it was a fun and challenging experience.
"I felt like a member of the team. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the soldiers," she said. "It was a great way to start my day and I was surprised that I finished in 70 minutes."
Gayla Pacheco, EEO acting chief, said she could see the great team spirit between the civilians and the military.
"This is the second time I have participated and it is great how we can all get along together," she said. "There's no pressure, there really is an emphasis to only do what you can do."
After the road march, participants had breakfast at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club. The day concluded with resiliency training, during which participants met in small groups to discuss their military experiences.
Summing up the event, Blake said, "I know this will give us all a greater appreciation for each other."
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