With the Iron PAX Challenge underway, 16 men came out of the gloom to honor a local warrior hero who gave his life in defense of freedom. Army Specialist First Class Marcus “Marc” Muralles was born in the NOLA area. He was a member of the 3rd Ranger BTN, KIA on 28 June 2005 while responding to a call for help by a four-man SEAL Team in eastern Afghanistan, which was later named Operation Red Wings (the story behind the popular book and movie Lone Survivor). SFC Muralles was scheduled to return home a few days after his death to celebrate his daughter’s 10th birthday. He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, and Combat Action Badge.
SFC’s family said that SFC Muralles lived every aspect of his life by the Night Stalker’s Creed.
After the standard disclaimer, the PAX moseyed to the traditional Uptowner warmup area.
Warmup x28: SSH, Arm Circles, IW, Abe Vigodas, and Mountain Climbers
Thang:
The PAX grabbed a rock and moseyed to the track/football field for a lap around the quarter-mile track. Then they broke up into small groups for the following x28, with a ¼ mile lap around the track after each exercise (for a total of 1.5 miles): Burpees, Curls, Squat Presses, WWII sit-ups, Full Extension Pull-ups, and Merkins. Everyone pushed hard and completed the beatdown. Once complete, the PAX cheered on and encouraged our F3 brothers who were completing the IPC.
COT: Name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and a prayer. Special intentions were given for SFC Muralles’s soul and comfort for his family. We welcomed FNG Slow Tax (Fast Tax’s youngest son), FNG Jessup, and another FNG. It’s always an honor to lead a group of leaders and even more special to honor someone who sacrificed themselves so we can sleep soundly at night. May the fallen never be forgotten, and may we never take a second of our lives for granted.
