Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group strain against the weight of a seven-ton truck as they haul the vehicle during the unit’s field meet aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 24, 2012. The battalion used the competition as a focal point to build camaraderie and test its Marines’ endurance over the course of several events.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson

Field meet puts maintenance Marines to the test

27 Oct 2012 | Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Marines of 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group put their strength, teamwork and intestinal fortitude to the test during the unit’s field meet here, Oct. 24.

The battalion’s companies went head-to-head in a series of competitions over the course of the day, including a 10-kilometer run, tire flip, tug-of-war contest, three-legged race, seven-ton truck pull and a stomach-churning doughnut-run challenge.

“The battalion field meet was intended to build camaraderie,” said Lt. Col. Craig Clemans, the battalion’s commanding officer. “Trying to make a big unit small is a challenge. Events like this where we have company competitions and we allow them to compete against each other make the big unit small and builds camaraderie.”

Crowds of Marines gathered around two seven-ton trucks to start the event. Each company took turns dragging the metal behemoths 25 yards as they raced for the best time.

More of the battalion’s Marines tested their mental agility as the cheers from the truck pull echoed over the field. They elevated their heart rates with a cardiovascular work out, crawled across the field to a Rubik’s Cube and struggled to complete the puzzle before their competitors.

“A sense of competition is something I very much want to promote,” said Clemans. “It really puts the character of the Marines on display and fosters a sense of sportsmanship. In winning and losing, there is a sense of unity that brings us together.”

The Marines grew even more boisterous during the tug-of-war challenge, where the rhythmic chants of “pull … pull … pull” flowed from each team as they attempted to drag their opponents into defeat.

The most unappetizing event, however, was one the Marines volunteered to give a shot. It was a doughnut-eating contest and three-mile sprint, which left a sea of disorganized boxes and doughnut remains strewn about the road.

“It was probably the most comical event of the day – the mile-and-a-half run, then eating a dozen doughnuts and another mile-and-a-half run,” said Sgt. Matthew Stotts, one of the officials who helped run the tug-of-war challenge but refrained from indulging in any pastries. “I don’t think I have eaten a dozen doughnuts in two years. I think there is going to be a lot of [cleaning] at the battalion today.”

Sweat and sticky doughnut glaze clung to their cheeks as more than a dozen Marines gorged themselves on the fluffy treats and raced around the battalion’s complex.

Some contestants attempted to mash their pile of doughnuts into one grand serving while others went with a slow, deliberate pace. The pain on their faces was evident regardless of their strategies as each bite sucked the moisture from their mouths and threatened to overfill their bellies.

Fighting through the pain was just another part of the game for the Marines.

“The number one thing is pride,” said Stotts.

The battalion trophy hung in the balance, and each company wanted to claim the bragging rights of having the award.

Electronic Maintenance Company claimed first place at the end of the day. They will have to defend the trophy at the unit’s next competition.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569