The Maj. Megan McClung Memorial Run, hosted by Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 53, Aug. 23, attracted
168 competitors in its second year on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The five and 10-kilometer run is in memorial of McClung, of Coupeville, Wash., who died Dec. 6, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq, and
was the first female Marine Corps officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She was an avid marathon runner and
six-time Ironman competitor.
“We appreciate the fact that everyone is honoring our daughter’s memory, but it’s probably more important to her and to
us that we support our wounded Marines,” said Michael McClung, Maj. McClung’s father. “I think the event went quite well,
thank you for being here, and I look forward to next year.”
Proceeds from the run, as well as donations, go to support the Wounded Marine Fund; the event garnered nearly $12,500.
Col. Timothy Cutright, MATSG-53 commanding officer is impressed with the command’s cohesion and participation in this event.
“These Marines are unbelievable in terms of giving of their personal time and of themselves,” said Cutright. “So far, I’ve
been blown away by how involved they are in the community and base events. They’re spread out to different commands
around base, but when we get together to do a Marine function they pull it all together; they’re unbelievable.
Approximately 80 volunteers helped to put the event together including members of MATSG-53, the American Gold Star
Mothers of Washington, Skagit Runners, and the NAS Whidbey Island Gym and Fitness Center.
“We’re a support group for families that have lost sons or daughters in the military. We thought this is a fabulous run where
we could support the McClung family as well as honor their daughter’s service and sacrifice and have a wonderful opportunity
to be together and support each other” said Myra Rintamaki, president of the Washington State Gold Star Mother’s, which
brought 11 members from western Washington. “One of our fears is that our son’s or daughter’s sacrifice be forgotten and this
is one way we are so pleased that they honor and remember those that have made that ultimate sacrifice.”
Upon completion of the run, an awards ceremony and raffle was held. The event is growing more successful and MATSG-53
hopes to gain even more support in the years to come.
“Next year we’re going to certify the course so people can get qualification times. I think that’ll bring in more people,” said
Maj. Jim Jones, MATSG-53 executive officer. “I’d like to see a thousand people out here eventually. I’d like to get a lot of
people out here to keep the memory of Megan McClung alive.”