CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq " Established June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army has fought in major conflicts in every century.
To honor the history of the Army and celebrate 236 years of service, deployed U.S. troops and Department of Defense employees ran a four-mile race at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, June 14.
Runners stretched their muscles and prepared for the sound of the start whistle.
Twenty minutes later, groups of Soldiers cheered each other on as they treaded the dirt road and neared the finish line.
“I took part in today’s run to uphold the traditions of the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Doralo Fuller, senior paralegal noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Fuller, a native of St. Louis, ran the race with fellow Soldiers from the brigade’s legal office.
As Fuller encouraged his fellow Soldiers, they pressed on, starting together and finishing together.
“The Army is like a big brother to other countries in the world. We’re there to make sure other countries can have the same freedoms and opportunities that we have in the U.S.,” added Fuller who has served in the Army 15 years.
The top three male and female runners were awarded at the end of the race. For some, running together to celebrate the U.S. Army’s birthday was an award in itself.
“I ran today because I felt like this would be a good opportunity to work on my run and be part of the Army’s birthday,” said Spc. Tina Hills, a combat medic assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th AAB.
Hills said she joined the Army to follow in the military footsteps of her family.
“I think the Army is a vital part of society,” added Hills, a native of Rushford, Minn.
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