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

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Volunteers from the 14th Security Forces Squadron held back from completing the 146 mile march one day ahead of schedule, choosing to instead stop at just under four miles from the changeover point at the Mississippi Highway Patrol Station on Highway 84.

The Defenders knocked out 27 miles through highways and small towns throughout the 92 degree temperature day.

Colonel-Select Scott Frickenstein, 14th Mission Support Group commander, joined the defenders during the latter half of the day, marching alongside the volunteers and taking out seven miles himself.

"I think it was really good for him to come out and support," said Senior Airman Damien Smith, 14th SFS. "It was definitely motivating to have our group commander to participate right beside us."

Returning to base camp at the end of the day, the defenders immediately rolled into a community reception from Vidalia, La. Immediately as the team entered the reception they were welcomed by local community members and Hyram Copeland, the mayor of the town of Vidalia. Also at the reception was a board of pictures detailing the 142.3 miles they had marched so far.

"It was great to see supporters from the local community come out and prepare food for us, greet us and show us that support," said Airman First Class Jonathan Woods, 14th SFS.

The love and support we got from the local community motivated us to finish headstrong," said  Woods. "The reception definitely showed me the amount of appreciation they had for what we do."

In addition to the rest of the reception, each member of the march received a letter from an Alexandria, La,. resident detailing her thanks and appreciation for not just the 14th SFS members who had come out, but to all members of the armed forces.

"Dear Hero,
I've often wondered how to shot my sincere gratitude and appreciation for one who has sacrificed so much, one who has given so much so I can be free. Thank you for your service and all you have given to I, my children, and future generations will be free. May God bless you and keep you always.
With love and prayer,
Rebecca Richards"