Marines run with cross

[thedrifter]

Marines run with cross
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 200438174753
Story by Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Sloan



CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan (March 5, 2004) -- At first glance, the mass looked like the usual Marine Corps early-morning troop formation. Hardchargers wearing boots and utility trousers kept in step while double-timing to a cadence being called out. But a closer look revealed the distinct difference of this particular physical training session: in place of the usual guidon up front, a Marine wielded a wooden crucifix as he led the motivators in PT.

A group of more than 60 Kinser Marines and Sailors from various units conducted Cross PT here Feb. 27 in an effort to meditate on Christ?s Way of the Cross to Calvary and experience some of the pain he felt during that time, according to Lt. Cmdr. John T. Hannigan, Camp Kinser Catholic base Chaplain.

?As Christians, we believe Christ went through much pain and physical strain during this final part of his life when he showed his great love for us,? the Chicago, Ill., native said. ?The Cross PT gives us a glimpse of that strain and is a way for us to show our love for Him.?

The motivators purposely punished themselves with a grueling two-hour workout, which consisted of running for more than three-miles and stopping at 14 stations along the way.

?The PT session was tough,? said Lance Cpl. Robert F. Taylor, supply administration clerk for Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Camp Kinser. ?But I did it to show my love for Christ.?

The 20-year-old Asheville, N.C., native said the physical strain he felt was just a fraction of what Christ endured for him.

The Cross PT was a voluntary event open to all Marines and Sailors here. It gave believers a chance to show their love for Christ and also enjoy fellowship, according to Lance Cpl. Mathew S. Glass, supply administration clerk for Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Camp Kinser.

?It was great to see so many other Marines and Sailors share the same feelings as I do toward Christ,? the 20-year-old Austin, Texas native said. ?It was a motivating way of coming together and worshiping.?

Hannigan said the Cross PT was a way of including praise and fellowship with something most of the troops enjoy.

?A lot of Marines and Sailors like working out,? Hannigan said. ?This way, they can exercise both their bodies and faith. Cross PT not only strengthens them physically, but also spiritually.?

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...6?opendocument




CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan - More than 60 Kinser Marines and Sailors conducted Cross PT here. The troops ran more than three miles in boots and utility trousers and conducted different exercises during the two-hour workout session. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Sloan


Sempers,

Roger