Far East CPOs Conduct 117 Hour Treadmill Marathon for Millington Flood Victims

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det Japan

May 29, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- At the stroke of noon May 26, Senior Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Johannes Gonzalez took the first steps in a 117 consecutive hour treadmill marathon aimed at raising money for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.

"This benefits both promoting a culture of fitness as well as raising money for the Navy Marine Corps relief society to help the victims of the Millington flood," said Chief Personnel Specialist (AW) Louis Saldana, an organizer of the event.

Johannes is not doing this by himself either. He and over 100 other members of the Far East Chief Petty Officer's (CPO) association at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) are sharing in the aches, pains, blisters and sweat that accompany this marathon, which will continue over the Memorial Day weekend. The marathon is being conducted on two treadmills, and each hour as one chief completes his or her race against the clock, another "relieves the watch" for the next hour. The 117 time-frame of the event represents the number of years U.S. navy chief petty officers have been walking the deckplates and leading Sailors.

Holding this event over the Memorial Day weekend was by design. Besides showcasing ideals such as the Culture of Fitness, CPO Pride and charity, the run is also a way to honor those who served and gave their lives in defense of the United States

"It starts with us; it's good for the junior Sailors to see their chief petty officers leading the way and promoting the Navy's culture of fitness," said Gonzalez. "I have gotten e-mails from chief's currently underway saying they will run underway and wishing they were here to joins us."

The fundraising event is being held at CFAY's main taxi stand near the base gates. Gonzales says this location allows the entire community so see the pride of the Far East CPOA in action from dusk to dawn.

Proceeds are based on "per mile" pledges, but passers by can also support the runners by donating on the spot. Area commands were encouraged to pledge based on the assumption that runners will average of five miles an hour.

"Every Chief's Mess in the Yokosuka area was involved. If you look at our list of participants, we have representatives from every command on base from shore commands to ships in port." said Saldana. "The response to this event was quick; as soon as we announced this event a number of chiefs came forward and volunteered to fill slots."

Once the run is complete at 10:00 a.m. on Memorial Day, participants will assemble and run in formation to the site of CFAY's Memorial Day services. The Far East CPOA will present NMCRS with the donation in a presentation ceremony on June 2.