Ooh Rah! The Marine Corps Run!
Lace up those sneakers and run for the US Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation!
On Saturday, May 9th join over 1,500 runners and participate in the 14th Annual Boston Marine Corps Honor Run. This fast paced 5K takes place along Southie’s Day Blvd beginning at Carson Beach at 9am. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, with particular attention given to those whose parent has been killed or wounded in combat, or who have demonstrated financial need.
The Honor Run will begin at 7:00 am for number pick-up and onsite registration, followed by a pre-race warm-up assisted by the Marine Corps Cadets. The race will officially start at 9:00 am, and there will be an Awards Ceremony with prizes at the end.
This year’s run will to honor Marine Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis. Massachusetts native Capt. Sammis was killed in action in Iraq in 2003.
So register today by visiting: http://www.mchonorrun.com/ Fee is $40, $32 pre-registration and $15 for active military.
About Captain Sammis:
Captain Sammis was assigned to HMLA 267 MAG 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Camp Pendleton California. His unit deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the early morning hours, on April 5th, 2003, while flying close-air support for marine ground forces “In Extremis,” Captain Sammis was killed in action.
Sammis graduated with honors from Dighton-Rehoboth (D-R) Regional High School where he was a D-R High “Peer Leader,” active in the school’s drama club and chorus and a center fullback on the soccer team. Known to his friends as “Gentle Ben,” he was feared and revered for his soccer skills and sportsmanship. He was a recipient of Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player Awards. Active in Scouting, Ben earned the Order of the Arrow and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Sammis was also an accomplished sailor. As junior sailor in the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association representing the Barrington Yacht Club, he won numerous club awards and area championships titles in Sunfish, 420 class and Laser’s as well as the US Sailing’s Sportsmanship Award. He developed as a sailing coach to juniors and adults at two area yacht clubs. An inspiration to all he coached and taught, Sammis encouraged his students – “to look beyond their imperfections, reach beyond their expectations, and to have fun in the process.”
Sammis attended The Citadel earning a degree in civil engineering in 1996 where upon he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He followed his lifelong dream for combat aviation, earning his “Wings” in April 1999. Sammis was first in class and among the top three percent of all designated naval pilots. After completing flight training in the AH1W Super Cobra, Ben was assigned to HMLA 267. Shortly thereafter he earned the designation of “Weapons and Tactical Instructor.
Sammis was a decorated Marine, receiving a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and the Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and many additional honors during his service.
“Ben loved life and, at every turn of life’s journey and, with all whom he came in contact, sought to impart the positive of life’s lessons. He was true to the Marine Corps slogan – Semper Fidelis,” said Ben’s father, Capt. Stephen Sammis (Navy retired).