Sailors from the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit 2 (NEPMU-2), gathered for a nine mile “Operation Turkey Trot” on November 24th. The event was a ruck march themed food drive, where each participant filled their backpacks with non-perishable foods to donate much needed items going into the holidays.

The trot took place at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, VA., and while the day started off with a bit brisk wind chill of 48 degrees, things warmed up quickly as participants enjoyed the beautiful fall scenery and took advantage of the opportunity to build comradery throughout the ranks.

“I hope my donation will be a reminder to those receiving it that no matter what they are going through, there is always someone thinking of and praying for them,” said Lt. j.g. Furaha Rwatambuga, who is an Environmental Health Officer assigned to NEPMU-2. “I believe that it makes the journey of hardship a little bit lighter when a person knows that someone is at least thinking of their challenges.”

In all, there were 19 trotters and family members who participated. The half-way point of the event served as the donation area for all the goods they brought to be collected. From there the donations will be delivered by select staff in time for those to receive them when they may most need it. In all they rucked with a total 162 pounds of food that was donated to a local foodbank.

“It’s always a good time when you can share your blessings and hike for 9.5 miles with your buddies at the same time.” said Lt. Russell Ongkeko, an Environmental Health Officer assigned to NEPMU-2.

Team spirit was felt across the ruck as the occasion was not considered complete until the last service member crossed the finished line. Following the event, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Fisher, who organized the ruck, addressed the turkey trotters before they all broke away for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“The event was fun and it’s always a pleasure enjoyable doing something for others,” says Lt. Jessica Jetter, an Environmental Health Officer attached to NEPMU-2. “Building es spirit de corps and learning about your coworkers outside the office has many benefits as well,” Jetter added.

For more news from Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit TWO, visit https://www.med.navy.mil/Navy-Marine-Corps-Public-Health-Center/Field-Activities/Navy-Environmental-Preventive-Medicine-Unit-2/ or follow NEPMU-2 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nepmu2.

The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) develops and shapes public health for the U.S. Navy and Marines Corps through health surveillance, epidemiology and analysis, disease and injury prevention, and public health consultation. Learn more by going to www.nmcphc.med.navy.mil. Follow NMCPHC on social media at https://www.facebook.com/NavyAndMarineCorpsPublicHealthCenter http://twitter.com/nmcphc and https://www.instagram.com/nmcphc/