“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” ― Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President. Over the years, Marines have earned a reputation and they deserve it. When kids say they want to be like them, parents have the right to feel pride in what their kid has just said. After all, their work is for their nation and for the welfare of its citizens.

If you too feel gratified at this team of brilliant men and women who believe in doing the right thing for the right cause without caring for the consequences, this story will certainly bring you to tears.

Giving Back
Giving Back

“Every child deserves a little Christmas.” This is the motto of Toys for Tots, a mission that is arranged by the US Marine. A campaign that works to arrange Christmas gifts to the underprivileged kids. This is one of the most known campaigns of the Marine Corps. They have brought smiles to so many innocent faces. But the story we are to tell you about is certainly not about smiles and presents but a lot more than that.

Mission To Promote Healthy Kids
Mission To Promote Healthy Kids

So, this incident took place at the Pensacola Beach in Pensacola, Florida, where a yearly Triathlon takes place. It is again organized by the US Marine Corps and with the main agenda of kids’ health and fitness behind this event. All the participants must be between the age of 7 to 15. The whole triathlon is properly managed by different teams of volunteers. That’s where Matthew Morgan gets in the picture.

Gulf Of Mexico

So, the whole event starts with the Gulf of Mexico because that’s where the first part of swimming is covered. The latter two portions of cycling and running are continued on the closed roads and tracks near the shore. Matthew Morgan was volunteering the event and was assigned a position around one or two miles from the final finish line.

Serving The People
Serving The People

Matthew Morgan was recently enlisted in the US Marines Corps. So far, he spent most of his life in San Diego but when he received the confirmation letter from the Marines he headed towards his first posting that was in the Pensacola area. He was assigned the post of Private First Class at Marine Detachment Corry Station. 

A Role Assigned

It was a one year posting before any break, and a group of 22 students including Matthew was learning from its commanding officer, Captain Frank Anderson. It was his order for the team of 22 students to supervise the triathlon and make sure that all the participants stay on the track and everything went on smoothly as per the plan. But only time will tell what was about to happen next as it was not part of any plan.

Assigned Positions

All the Marines prepared themselves for the triathlon a day before the main event. Each of the 22 students was aware of their places where they were supposed to stand and watch the event. They were in charge of the event that was going to be held on the next morning and Matthew has always been the one who kept his work as his priority.