MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Marines of H&SBn. participated in their annual Field Meet and Family Day, May 30, to test their physical strength, teamwork and motivation, and to enjoy the opportunity to spend time during the day with families and fellow Marines.
The Field Meet consisted of Marines from Headquarters Co. and Service Co. competing head-to-head in 10 events to earn the H&SBn. Annual Field Meet Battalion Commander's Cup. Following the Field Meet, Marines were able to enjoy barbecue-style food and take a refreshing dip in the Depot outdoor pool.
"We wanted to instill teamwork, a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps," said 1st Sgt. Donovan White, company first sergeant, Headquarters Co.
The two companies were broken down into teams of eight for each event, starting with the Obstacle Course. Throughout the events, first place winners earned five points, second place earned four points, third place earned three points and fourth place earned one point.
Service Co. started out strong in the Obstacle Course, beating Headquarters Co. with the fastest time being under two minutes, earning five points.
Things looked grim for Headquarters Co. until they tied Service Co. in the 400-meter relay, 26-26. The companies ran neck-and-neck with each other throughout the other events, including the Fireman Carry, Wheelbarrow Race, Dizzy Izzy, Cone and Ball, Three-Legged Race, M16A2 Rifle Assembly/Disassembly, and the 4-by-400 Meter Relay.
Headquarters Co. trailed Service Co. going into the final event, the infamous Tug-of-War, with a score of 56-62. Tension rose as the Marines went into the event, for it could have changed the field meet's outcome.
The Marines split into sections, with equal manpower on each side of the rope. The judge blew the whistle to start the final event.
After three rounds of struggling, Headquarters Co. was triumphant, narrowly beating Service Co. 67-62.
After the exhausted Marines wiped the sweat from their brows, Col. Gary Supnick, battalion commander, H&SBn., presented Headquarters Co. Commander, Capt. Bradley Anderson, with a plaque, signifying their success.
"Overall, I thought the Field Meet turnout was great and the escalation in morale built momentum as each event cycled through," said Anderson. "Of course, I am proud that Headquarters Company came up from a six-point deficit, grabbed some good old-fashioned intestinal fortitude and grunted out a win. Service Company Marines did an awesome job and, in my mind, we're all winners."
No bad feelings were harbored, though, because after the Marines finished the field meet, they were all rewarded with a feast of hot dogs, barbecue chicken, hamburgers, ice cream and other delectables to enjoy with their families during Family Day.
While some Marines were chowing down on savory vittles, other Marines opted to don their bathing suits and take a dive into the Depot outdoor pool.
"There was a humbling level of competitive energy on that day, not to show who's the best - because as Marines, we all are - but to bring us together as a battalion and have some fun!" said Anderson.