Faces on Station: From Hip Surgery to Half Marathon - A Soldier’s 10-year battle

Official Statements

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “I was told I would never be able to run again,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Morgan Kenelly, a veterinary food inspection specialist, assigned to Veterinary Readiness Activity, Fort Bragg, detached to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Kenelly, raised in Pendleton, South Carolina, said that although she did well in school, sheoften found herself bored, causingher adventurous nature to prioritize spontaneous fun over responsibilities. Determined to take control over her future, she decided to enlist in the U.S. Army in June 2015.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “I needed something more disciplined to ensure I wouldn’t go down a bad path,” Kenelly said. “The military created the perfect opportunity for me to stay disciplined while pursuing my education.” Once enlisted, she found exactly what she was looking for: a standard to uphold for herself.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Along the way, Kenelly discovered an unexpected passion for her career field.Combining food safety and veterinary services through health inspections and preventative measures against contamination and bioterrorism, Kenelly’s overall role ensuresa military standard of excellence and readiness in support of military members and their families across the installation. However, two years into her enlistment, Kenelly’s mental fortitude was put to the test. Severe hip pain from running led her to seek medical evaluation, and within four months, she would undergo surgery.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “After my first hip surgery, it was a 50-50 if I’d be able to stay in the military because I didn’t know if I would be able to recover,” Kenelly recalled. Following her initial surgery to repair a hip labral tear, Kenelly spent a month on crutches. The procedureleft her with limited mobility and intense post-operative pain for the forthcoming months.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Whether it was answering emails at the office or working from home, Kenelly said she never let herself step back from her duties during her recovery process because she didn’t want to disappoint her troops. One surgery alone was not enough to resolve the damage. A severe pelvic fracture later required additional surgical intervention, leaving hertendons torn and a structural deformity in her pelvis. “It shredded everything,” Kenelly said. By October2025, Kenelly was told by two different primary care doctors that she would never be able to run again.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Rather than accepting the diagnosis, she directedher frustration into relentless determination to surpass the medical expectation. “I needed to pass PT tests, so I said ‘You know what? Watch this’,” Kenelly said. “And so, I did.” Along with ongoingphysical therapy, she crafted a training plan that ultimately would surprise medical professionals, family, and friends.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “First, she focused on building muscle to better support her hips.After, she startedrunning every other day while not exceeding her training to five times a week, a personal limit she implemented to prevent further irritation to her injuries. On top of weightlifting and running, she was also required to train for her Army fitness test, which evaluates cardio, strength, endurance, and flexibility.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “The past five or six months, she’s been really persistent with her fitness,” said U.S. Army Captain Emily Spink, a field veterinary service officer, assigned to VRA, Fort Bragg, detached toMCAS Cherry Point. Although it is easy to get locked behind a computer to complete mission requirements, Kenelly always found time during her lunch break and other spare moments to go for a run with her dog, Lincoln, said Spink. When asked how she kept going despite her setbacks, Kenelly responded with two specific reasons.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Lincoln, my wonderful hound dog, he is my biggest motivator,” Kenelly said. Alongside her dog, Kenelly said if she didn’t have the support of her captain, she wouldn’t be able to perform the way she is now. As of October 2026, Kenelly said her recovery process is still ongoing, but spite was something that kept her moving forward. With the motivation of her team and her own tenacity, Kenelly was not only able to run faster over longer distances, but it brought back her passion for running.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Kenelly said she has never felt more physically fit than she has in her life thus far andplans to runa half marathon in December. She also plans to enter a HYROX fitness competition next year, whichinvolves endurance and functional strength. “It’s about your mentality,” Kenelly said. “The hardest part isn’t the physical aspect; it’s the mental aspect. If you want it bad enough, you’ll absolutely be able to figure out a way to make it happen.”

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, November 13: “Kenelly continues to surpass both thementally and physically limitations of recovery,proving to be an indispensable asset to MCAS Cherry Point. She currently holds four billets and is celebrated by her command as an exemplary service member. (U.S. Marine Corps story by Cpl. Emma Powell) -30-”