MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
Marine Air Control Group 28 took to the roads on a
motivational run before departing for Labor Day weekend liberty at Marine Corps
Air Station Cherry Point, Sept. 4.
The purpose of the run was to remind Marines to protect
their fellow brothers and sisters from suicide and alcohol abuse, and to make
sure they returned to work as hard-working devil dogs when the break comes to
an end, said Col. Matthew C. Culbertson, commanding officer of MACG-28.
Marines from every unit within MACG-28 gathered on a parade
field to participate in the run. MACG-28 units include: Marine Tactical Air
Command Squadron 28, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, Marine Air Support
Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 and 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense
Battalion.
According to Culbertson, the command wanted to ensure the
Marines within the group would have a safe weekend and watch out for one
another.
In the Marine Corps, leaders are in place to ensure the men
and women by their side are safe and taken care of so they can successfully
accomplish the task or mission at hand, said Culbertson.
“It’s important that small unit leaders are paying attention
to their Marines who may need help,” said Culbertson. “This is a function about
taking care of each other. There is no shame if you feel like you might have a
problem, or need help. Just reach out to your peers and leadership, they are
here to help.”
According to Culbertson, the “Protect What You’ve Earned”
campaign, which is interpreted by each individual Marine in their own way, teaches
Marines to reflect and evaluate how their actions will help or hinder their
career.
“The leaders need to be able to be held accountable for what
their responsibilities are within the group, and follow the examples their NCOs
set,” stated Sgt. Joshua D. Ostrowski, a data network specialist with Marine
Air Control Squadron 2.
Ostrowski explained that he hopes to see the junior Marines
fill the shoes of the NCOs one day.
“You labor in everything that you do,” said
Culbertson. “This is your weekend to take a breathe and relax a little, reset
and refocus, and know that we have a busy year ahead of us. Be proud and take
care of yourselves, protect the family name and protect the Marine Corps.”