Soldiers represent mortuary in Korean War Remembrance Ruck March

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A team of soldiers assigned to the Army Liaison Team at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs joined approximately 200 service members and civilians at the Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 25, 2012, to participate in the 13th Annual Korean War Remembrance Ruck March, hosted by the 436th Security Forces Squadron.

The soldiers donned their uniforms and combat boots, and walked and ran 6.2 miles carrying a 30-pound rucksack to commemorate the Korean War Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

"Many people refer to the Korean War as the 'Forgotten War' because it falls between World War II and the Vietnam War, both which receive more media attention," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Scott, a chief coordinator of the ruck march. "Through these marches, we're hoping to change that. We are giving these warriors the attention and gratitude they deserve -- we are reminding the public of their sacrifice."

The battle is considered an epic in military history -- an epic in endurance and feats of accomplishment in which troops fought their way out of the Chosin Reservoir through hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops. Hundreds lost their lives and thousands were injured. Many of the injuries were a result of the winter conditions and extreme temperatures.

Although high winds made the march challenging along stretches of the course, it didn't deter the soldiers from the mortuary from doing their part.

They were one of 39 teams who took the challenge.

"I thought it would be good for the team to come together," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Chesonis. "I really like things like this; it reminds me of being back as 11B (infantry)."

They completed the ruck march in 1 hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds.

The day began with speeches from members of the Korean War Veterans' Association, who conveyed the harshness of their experiences during the war to Team Dover. Beside the podium stood a map of the Korean Peninsula, which outlined the troop movements and key battles that took place during the three-year conflict; many veterans pointed out locations on the map where they had seen combat to curious onlookers.

"This generation of service members is a throwback to the troops of the Korean War and World War II - tough as nails. I am very proud of them," said Dan Coons, the state commander of the Korean War Veterans' Association.

(Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)