MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- The base mustered early July 27, morning at Landing Zone 216 for a base run with Brig. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commanding general, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The base fell into formation and began routine stretches for Hummer’s final, motivated run here.
Hummer led the Marines on a run around Marine Corps Air Facility, with a loud, booming cadence coming from the field of runners.
Upon returning to LZ 216, Hummer led the Marines in a few cool-down exercises before calling everyone into a school circle around the physical training podium. Water was available for Marines after the 3.7 mile run. Sergeant Maj. Erik H. Shirreffs, sergeant major, Headquarters Battalion, walked around with a cup of water insuring everyone was hydrating.
Hummer then addressed the Marines and gave a few words of wisdom.
“Those you see, those you work for, invest a lot of themselves into their job,” Hummer said. “It’s because of those investments that it stops being a job and more like a family. When you leave, it’s hard to tear away from that family. People look at Hawaii and say, ‘what a paradise.’ I’ll remember those I worked with, constantly supporting what happens in the Pacific.”
He also noted his appreciation for the service members of Kaneohe Bay, for the roles they serve and the outstanding jobs they perform.
“I want to thank you for what you do for Marine Corps Base Hawaii,” Hummer said. “Years from now your dedication and contribution will be something you look back on. You will tell stories to your children and other Marines just like veterans of Iwo (To), because you served in a very trying time and difficult conflict.”
As he gave his words of appreciation, Marines could tell this was the final, informal, “thanks for everything.”
“I want to tell you all to take care of each other,” he said. “Regardless of what you see on the outside, none of us are perfect…whether it be financial challenges, or your drinking a little too much on the weekend or your having family issues. Take care of each other because that is the Marine Corps-Navy brotherhood.”
With his last words said, he assembled everyone and ended the PT with motivating Marine Corps push-ups.