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Ruck March: A mile in someone else's shoes

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Deployers and permanent party assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs joined more than 150 others to don their uniforms and combat boots, carry a 30-pound rucksack and walk 6.2 miles to commemorate the Korean War Battle of the Chosin Reservoir Feb. 26.

The 12th Annual Security Forces Ruck March was a tribute to those who fought in the battle. It was a chance to in some way sacrifice for those who fought in the 17-day battle in freezing temperatures.

The march began with an opening ceremony at the AMC Museum which was also the starting point for the 6.2 mile course.

Local Korean War Veterans were at the ceremony to represent their comrades.

Teams were made up of four individuals. There were 44 teams and several individuals who turned out for the march.

Three teams from AFMAO gathered their rucks to represent the mortuary. The teams included an Army Chaplain, a Marine, civilian personnel and Airmen.

"When I found out the ruck march was in remembrance to the Korean War, I signed up," said Staff Sgt. Eric Corry. "I feel like the Korean War is a forgotten war because of more well known wars."

For William Zwicharowski, it was a tie he has as a former Marine and a testimony that what they endured and experienced is what makes people resilient.

"I was in the Marine Corps, and of all the rich Marine Corps traditions and history the battle of Chosin Reservoir was the ultimate test of a person's mind, body and heart," he said.

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.

A team of three from the 436th and 512th Logistics Readiness Squadron carried an additional 30-pound ruck as well as POW/MIA flag for the duration of the march as a significant reminder to those missing in action.

Some of the AFMAO team members did it as a test to their own personal strength initially, but discovered it meant more.

"I first signed up for the ruck march because I wanted to prove I could do it," said Master Sgt. Donald Cleveland. "After I listened to one of the men who fought during the Korean War, I changed my opinion -- I wanted to march to say thank you. These individuals of our past had to endure so much and put their bodies through so much for the freedom I am blessed to have today."

Sergeant Cleveland gave a few hours of his day and a little soreness in his shoulder, which he said was an easy trade to be able to say thank you from a proud soldier.

"My experience in the ruck march was powerful," said Gail Reed-Harmon. "I marched for the experience and for the mental and physical challenge. I felt like I was marching in their shoes by staying committed until the end."

Mable Justice also did it for the physical challenge and in remembrance.

The event was a great opportunity to establish some Esprit de corps with fellow AFMAO coworkers, explained Sergeant Corry.

"Everybody really helped each other along the march," he said. "I'm glad I took part in it."

Ms. Justice echoed that sentiment. By participating, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

"I also felt very sore," she added.