(From left to right) Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery B. Conger, Capt. Johnathan P. Stouffer, Capt. David C. Elert, Lt. Col. Joseph D. Williams, Mrs. Williams, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery A. Stapleton, Cpl. Jessica C. Pappas, Gunnery Sgt. David C. Rupp and Mrs. Rupp, and Sgt. William S. Waldrep stand in a row for a team photo at the 2011 Historic Half Marathon that took place in Fredericksburg, Va., May 15. The team was made up of Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 231 and members of the VMA-231 family, which raised more than $3,800 for Azalea Charities.

Photo by Contributed Photo

VMA-231 Marines run Historic Half Marathon, raise money

15 Jun 2011 | Pfc. Cory D. Polom Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- A group of Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 231 raised money for charity by running the 2011 Historic Half Marathon this year that took place in Fredericksburg, Va., May 15.

“This group of Marines did a great thing,” said Frank E. Lasch Sr., chairman of Azalea Charities. “They raised more than $3,800 for our organization.”

Cpl. Jessica C. Pappas worked with her officer in charge, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery B. Conger, to organize the team.

“I thought it would be a great way to raise money to help with the wounded warriors and other Marines that are in need,” said Pappas. “We found Mr. Lasch and his organization and thought it perfect. Azalea Charities are a more broad charity that helps many different organizations to include the Semper Fi Fund as well as other veteran’s assistance organizations.”

The Historic Half Marathon was a 13.1 mile race and had more than 5,500 runners finish the race.

“I’m tremendously proud of my Marines,” said Lt. Col. Joseph D. Williams, the commanding officer of VMA-231. “Cpl. Pappas and the rest of the team did a great job raising money together to help out their fellow Marines.”

Williams said he feels it is extremely important to raise money for the Marines and other service members who are brought home injured or ill from overseas.

“Raising money to help an organization like Azalea was the best thing these Marines could have done,” said Williams. “They are not only bettering themselves with the run, but they are helping out the injured Marines and their families.”

Williams said this event was a positive experience for the Marines involved and the squadron as a whole. “What Pappas and Conger did was amazing,” said Williams. “Especially since the person who came up with the idea was one of our corporals. Pappas is a leader among her peers and a tremendous benefit the unit.”

The charity has expressed itself as extremely grateful that VMA-231 Marines helped out the organization.

“We are most appreciative (VMA-231’s) support,” said Lasch. “Without groups like this we can’t do what we do for Marine Corps and the rest of the armed services. The money they sent us will help our organization help others.”