AIKEN, SC (WJBF) – Marines, students, and teachers from across Aiken County gathered at Aiken High School for the Marine Fitness Challenge.
“It gives them a chance to compete in a friendly competition and really build a stronger community,” said Sergeant Panosso, Marine Corps recruiter.
“It’s really important that the Marines are connected to the community. Since we’re in the Marine Corps, a lot of people see us as such a distant concept because we don’t really have a Marine Corps base here. So this is a way for all Marines to recruit the Augusta Substation to connect with the community and show them that we are, in fact, like everyone else, “said Lieutenant Jaclyn Dahl, executive officer of Columbia Recruiting Station.
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“It’s been a great partnership with the Marines and our students and other surrounding schools to really just share with our military, especially one branch, what’s going on and really help show our students some of the great things that which they do not just in the military, but our community, ”said Jason Holt, the principal of Aiken High School.
The participants in the challenge had several physical activities to measure themselves against. While the day was about bringing the community together, it was also about good old fashioned practice.
“It allows our youngsters to get out of here and have a lot of camaraderie. Of course, it contributes to your physical fitness and general wellbeing, ”said Claude Davis, senior naval science instructor at South Aiken High School.
Why is it important to have things like that?
“These are important because they give young people the opportunity to come together and get to know each other, but more importantly, they lead to young people leading healthy lives and God knows we must all lead healthier lives”, said Davis.
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The winner of today’s event will receive a special trophy, the Cpl. Matt Dillion Prize.
“Matt Dillon is a local Aiken hero. He made the highest sacrifice in December 2006 while serving our country with the Marines in Iraq. His parents took this tragedy and turned it into something good. They created the Matt Dillon Scholarship to give multiple scholarships each year to ROTC cadets in Aiken County High Schools here to compete today and that spirit of competition and excellence, ”said Andrew McCaskill , a parent of high school.
The event was a success and Dillon’s parents presented the award.
There were a lot of people who needed to be thanked for tonight’s event, so here is a bonus feature with these “thank you” messages.
