MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marine sniper Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II was best known for his unparalleled marksmanship skills during the Vietnam era, but perhaps one of the most personal battles he faced was his fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
In June 1975, Hathcock was diagnosed with the disease, and he submitted to medical retirement four years later, 55 days short of a 20-year service.
Several Miramar Marines participated in this year's San Diego Multiple Sclerosis walk April 9 and 10 at Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif., and San Diego's Embarcadero Marina Park South. Most of the Marines walked for relatives with the disease, and others participated because they had friends who have it. At least one Miramar Marine who participated was diagnosed with MS.
"Growing up with a parent diagnosed with MS was a unique experience," said Cpl. Zachary A. Sutton, percussionist, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Marietta, Ga., native, whose mother was diagnosed when he was 12. "Even on the most excruciating of days when she couldn't get out of bed in the morning due to her legs not responding to her nervous system, she refused to quit. My mom is the toughest person I know and the single hero I have in my life."
The Marines joined more than 9,500 others in support of the San Diego chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise funds for research and care for those affected by the disease. More than 600 teams participated, and the walk generated more than $1.5 million, according to a release by the San Diego chapter.
Not every Marine from the Miramar teams had a tie as closely connected with the disease as Sutton.
Gunnery Sgt. Daniel L. Tull, crash chief, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, 3rd MAW, said he walked "in support of a friend as well as others diagnosed with MS." Tull and his wife Kristen, a former Miramar Marine, alternated pushing their daughter in her stroller over the more than 3-mile trek on Sunday.
"It was a glorious weekend filled with many inspirational moments," said
Allan Shaw, MS Society president and chief executive officer. "We are extremely grateful for the support of every walker and sponsor who put their best foot forward, every step of the way, to end the devastating effects of MS."
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, according to the NMSS. The disease causes the body to attack the tissue that helps insulate and protect its own nerves. When the tissue is destroyed or damaged, the results can be a disruption of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. This is what causes those with MS to experience symptoms of the disease, which include vision problems, slurred speech and cognitive impairment.
Despite over a century of research, little is known about the cause of the disease, how or why individuals acquire it, or what can be done to prevent it. Medications are available to slow the progression of the disease, but to this day there is no cure.
Approximately 400,000 Americans have been diagnosed with MS, according to the NMSS. Because of the sporadic nature of MS symptoms and its often-debilitating prognosis, family members and friends are often affected as well.
Captain Robert C. Kamei, a native of Austin, Texas, was medically retired almost five years ago at 28 years old from the same diagnosis as Hathcock. Although he planned to pursue a career in the Marine Corps, his goals were cut short by the disease.
"I was in total disbelief," said Kamei. "My future all of a sudden became uncertain."
Although Kamei is now confined to a wheelchair, his outlook has changed. He currently speaks as an ambassador for one of the pharmaceutical companies that produces MS-related medications.
"Life does go on after being diagnosed with MS," said Kamei. "Quitting, like surrendering, is never an option."
Staff Sgt. Sahba Rahmani, administration chief, 3rd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and a native of Prospect Heights, Ill., worked with Kamei at his final duty station in 2000.
"I have seen Captain Kamei go through a lot over the years," said Rahmani. "He always manages to persevere. He has inspired me to become a team captain for the MS Walk for the past 5 years to help find a cure, or at least some relief, for people with MS."
Kamei expressed his appreciation for the Marines' efforts and offered others words of encouragement.
"Take advantage of the gifts you've been given," Kamei. "(Don't) waste your days worrying about the little things in life."