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

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  14th Flying Training Wing Public AffairsThe 14th Security Forces Squadron continued through Louisiana on their 146 mile leg of the Ruck March to Remember on July 25.

The team completed 50.23 miles throughout the day beginning at Pinesville, La., and marching past Jonesville, La., through either temperatures over 90 degrees or heavy rain.

"We honestly moved a little bit faster in the rain." said Senior Airman Chris Jones. "It was cooler and you wanted out of it."

Trying a new tactic, 14th SFS members marched one at a time in one mile intervals to maximize speed and rest time. Each of the 10 Airmen on the team carried the guidon for five miles overall.

"This new tactic is a lot better." said Senior Airman David Gongora, 14th SFS. "Yesterday we covered 20.2 miles in six hours and today we're moving at twice the speed."

Throughout the day the team continued to see support from the local community. In the morning a retired Air Force master sergeant Kenny Johnson happened to be running by during the march. By coincidence, Johnson said he was security police during his time in the Air Force.

While passing through Jonesville the town's mayor Hiram Evans made a surprise visit to welcome the team and thank them.

"Thank you all for supporting the American people," he said. "I appreciate what you all are doing."