8/17/2009
By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez , Multi National Force - West AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq "
United States service members and civilians aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, ran a half marathon in memory of Maj. Megan M. McClung, Aug. 15, 2009.
More than 200 participants began running the 13.1 miles just before dawn.
"This is my first marathon," said Sgt. Stevie C. Hagler, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward) Transition Team Supply office. "I figured, why wouldn't I run for a cause as important as this?"
McClung, who served as a public affairs officer, was 34 years old when a roadside bomb took her life Dec. 6, 2006. She was the first female officer to lose her life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
She was also known for her running prowess and her efforts to organize Marine Corps marathons for forward deployed service members.
"It's important to remember the fallen," said Cpl. Stephen R. Addis, a supply administrative clerk with II MHG (Fwd) TT Supply. "But more importantly, it's important to remember them in a fashion which they would've chosen."
The marathon course began near the base's flight line and looped the tarmac and runway, eventually ending near the base's central sports stadium. Although the course had several downhill segments, there were still long straight-aways posing a challenge to participants not accustomed to running great distances in such a sensory-deprived environment.
"What got me wasn't the heat, and I was definitely well hydrated," said Addis. "It was the long and straight segments that stretched to the horizon; it looked almost like it had no end. Running can be just as mental as it is physical. It's important to remember that every mile you run is one less mile between you and the finish line."
No matter the speed at which they ran, or how long it took them to cross the finish line, the runners were proud to traverse the distance for a noble cause. Though McClung was the first female officer to lose her life in OIF, more than 100 female service members have given their lives since the operation began in March 2003.
At its core, the marathon was truly to remember the sacrifices of all service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, regardless of age, rank or gender.
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