SPARTANS BRING HOME MARNE CUP AS BEST BRIGADE

SPARTANS BRING HOME MARNE CUP AS BEST BRIGADE

Reported By RET B.Lambert May 28, 2021

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stand in formation before a close out ceremony for Marne Week, May 20 on Fort Stewart. The closing ceremony is the culminating event of Marne Week, which was an opportunity for Dogface Soldiers past and present to celebrate being a member of the ‘Rock of the Marne.’

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, won best brigade and brought home the Marne Cup during Marne Week, May 17-20 on Fort Stewart. The Marne Cup was awarded to the brigade with the most points earned over a series totally 22 sporting events.

Marne Week normally takes place during the third week of November, aligning with the Division’s birthday. The week is a time for units to test their mettle and build esprit de corps while remembering all those Dogface Soldiers that came before.

“The Spartan Brigade was excited to compete and show our physical prowess after a year of dealing with a worldwide pandemic,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lopez, the senior noncommissioned officer of 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “Winning the Marne Cup is an added bonus, but the real value was spending quality time with each other as a unit in a low-key environment in pursuit of a common goal.”

Marne Week began with the Division’s first ever bed race instead of a division run due to the pandemic. The week’s events included but were not limited to archery, tug of war, cornhole, basketball, golf scramble and paintball. The 2nd ABCT won 10 out of the 22 Marne Week events, boosting their overall points total to win the Marne Cup.

“Our brigade is grateful for the opportunity to compete with our fellow Dogface Soldiers in the Division. This was a great week for the entire formation to come together and enjoy time with our Families, friends, and the local community after a hectic year of deployments and operations during a pandemic,” said Col. Terry Tillis, commander of 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “Marne Week allowed us to come together as one team and connected us to our division’s rich heritage.”