U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Hollenshead, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and
Nuclear defense chief for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Ohio, and his family prepare to bowl during the 26th MEU holiday party, Dec. 7, 2024 at the Bonnyman Bowling Center, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Marines and their families came together to enjoy time with one another and celebrate the holiday season as the new year approaches. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Michele Clarke)
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Martial arts and combative sports are a skillset many people use for various ways. Some want to learn how to defend themselves in case they are ever attacked. Others have been involved in these sports for years and compete professionally. For U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Charles Copeland, the fire and effects coordination center chief at the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), martial arts and combative sports taught him how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Copeland grew up in a small town in Minnesota . Even when he was younger, he always found himself being told he couldn’t participate in challenging sports because of his smaller stature compared to the rest of the kids around him.
“I just...
