AHERO Summer 2021 | Page 86

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Born Out of Tragedy : The MCL / TEL Semper Fi 5K 37th Charity Run for Children

By Lynn Feehan with COL Christopher E . “ Caveman ” Holzworth IV , USMC ( Ret )
Encompassing an area from Pensacola to Panama City in the Panhandle of Northwest Florida , Pensacola ’ s military service command lies within the 1st District of Florida . It is the largest concentration of training commands in the United States and includes all branches of our armed services .
On November 13 , 2021 , the Corporal J . R . Spears Detachment of the Marine Corps League will host the 37th running of the Semper Fi 5K Charity Race for Children in partnership with Total Employment Leasing ( TEL Staffing & HR ). As many as 25 commands at a time have run through the streets of Pensacola carrying their command flag in support of children ’ s charities . AN UNFORGETTABLE HISTORY
In 1982 , President Ronald Reagan had ordered 800 U . S . Marines into Lebanon to help stabilize the civil-war-torn country .* Soon after , in 1983 , the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit composed of both Marine Aviation and Infantry deployed to Beirut , Lebanon , joining a multinational coalition assisting in the region . But on October 23 , 1983 , a Lebanese terrorist drove a truck through the Marine battalion ’ s main gate and detonated 1,800 pounds of dynamite .
The resulting explosion , equal to the destructive force of a 6-ton blast , created a bloom visible as far away as the U . S . Navy ships . The devastating suicide attack killed 220 Marines , eighteen Navy corpsmen , and three Army soldiers .
Stateside , young 2nd Lt . Christopher “ Caveman ” Holzworth IV was reporting to the Marine Air Training Support Group 21 at Naval Air Station ( NAS ) Pensacola , Florida , for warfare pilot training . Hearing news of the attack , he requested a meeting with NAS Commanding Officer Robert “ Bull ” Bland . He proposed doing something for the families of the fallen service members . A 10-kilometer charity run sponsored by the Command could start a college fund for the children , he suggested .
COL Bland delayed the lieutenant ’ s training and appointed him as project officer . Joining the Group 21staff , Holzworth would oversee the development , publicity , and execution of the “ 10K Beirut Relief Fund Charity Race ” on Air Forces Day in May 1984 .
Held at NAS Pensacola , the race included more than 400 civilians and service members from all over the country . Military personnel from Parris Island to Camp Pendleton came to support the race and honor the families of the fallen . BGen Joseph Hoar from Marine Corps Headquarters accepted an initial contribution of $ 4,300 for the Beirut Relief Fund at the race ’ s end . THE RACE CONTINUES
Donations eventually refocused to support local children ’ s charities . Since its beginning in 1984 , more than $ 600,000 has been raised .
A record-setting $ 37,000 was raised in 2019 , showing the commitment and generosity of the Pensacola community . Now called the “ Semper Fi 5K Charity Run For Children .” the annual race is executed by the Marine Corps League of Pensacola in partnership with Total Employment Total Staffing & HR ( TEL ).
The race has since been dedicated to combat Veterans of the area and their families including , in 2019 , the late USAF General Daniel “ Chappie ” James , who was honored as a national hero and favorite son of Pensacola . This year ’ s race will honor recently deceased Marine Lieutenant General Charles “ Chuck ” Pittman for his service to this nation .
* Lebanon ’ s civil war pitted Palestinian forces , fundamentalist Muslim guerrillas , the Christian Phalange Party , Maronite militia , and other terrorist forces against one another for power and control of the nation .
Held in the historic district of Pensacola by Seville Quarter Restaurant / Clubs in coordination with specialty running store , Running Wild , the race now includes service members and Veterans organizations . It is an inspiring patriotic event for the community , with all proceeds donated to :
NEW HORIZONS CHILDREN ’ S CHARITY ESCAMBIA WESTGATE SCHOOL GULF COAST KIDS BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF THE EMERALD COAST THE MIRACLE LEAGUE OF PENSACOLA LEAD ACADEMY OF SANTA ROSA
An event that was conceived from the ashes of an unimaginable tragedy in our nation ’ s history endures as an endearing tradition of caring and charity and a vividly alive example of the energy and character of our country .
86 AHERO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021