"Ruck March to Remember" from the front - Day one

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Security Forces Squadron received the Ruck March to Remember guidon from the 81st Security Forces Squadron on July 24 in Garden Parish, La.

The 14th SFS volunteers marched 20.2 miles throughout the day, continuing the guidon's journey to Ground Zero.

Well supported by local communities, the Garden Parish Police Department and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association provided escort to the team. Local community members who hadn't heard about the event also began to show their support within minutes of the start of the march; shouting and honking to show their support.

"It was very motivating to see all of these fellow Americans taking notice and cheering us on." said Senior Airman David Gongora, 14th SFS.

The first day for the marchers was not without its trials. The trek was made through 99 degree heat over hills, highway on-ramps and busy streets. Constantly supporting each other, the defenders worked together to ensure their wingmen were hydrated and that none walked alone.

"I was proud that our teamwork through the day showed off the security forces mentality of never leaving an Airman behind," said Senior Airman Jesse Bailey, 14th SFS.

The team did however have to say goodbye to one member of the team, Staff Sgt. Eduardo Rosero left that night to go home to his six-day-old daughter. Sergeant Rosero said that joining in the ruck march towards Ground Zero to remember 9/11 was important to him in particular.

"I'm from New York so it hits a little close to home," said the Bronx N.Y. native and 14th SFS defender.

The team ended the night by setting up tents and cots at a site in the middle of the planned course. Tech. Sgt. Pender, team leader, said that each day the marchers will ride from the camp to the location where they left off continuing the trip.