U.S. Marines assigned to the Heavy Marine Helicopter 364 Unit run in formation during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial 5-K Run April 2, 2011 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Price

More than 60 Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines took part in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial 5-K Run April 2, 2011 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

“This run symbolizes the unselfish and unyielding dedication to one another that we all share as service members,” said Gunnery Sgt. Eric Allen, a U.S. Marine Corps participant. “It’s extremely important to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our nation.”

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Donofrio, Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Despot and Petty Officer 1st Class Dave Lyman, all EOD technicians, ran the 3.1-mile course while wearing bomb disposal suits that weigh approximately 85 pounds each.

“You don’t honor someone by doing something easy, you do something hard to recognize their sacrifice,” said Lyman. “Wearing the suit was one way to do that, even if it doesn’t really come close to their hardship.”

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