Ruck marchers remember the ‘Chosin Few’

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Reserve, active-duty and civilian personnel here joined more than 150 others Feb. 26 in donning their uniforms and combat boots, carrying a 30-pound rucksack and walking 6.2 miles to commemorate the Korean War Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

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 Air Mobility Command 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.
"This was my 8th year participating in the ruck march, said Master Sgt. David Jackson, 512th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It is a great event that creates an environment of teamwork and esprit de corps; and, it is an honor to be able to pay tribute to our veterans."

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

Three teams from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations 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, an AFMAO member. "I feel like the Korean War is a forgotten war because of more well-known wars."

For another AFMAO member, 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 wintery conditions and extreme temperatures.

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

"We started the tradition of carrying a POW/MIA flag during the 2009 ruck march. It was a way to show that the event was more than winning a race and more about honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedoms," said Sergeant Jackson.

Even though their fourth team member was 'missing in action,' the three-man team was able to cross the finish line in 1 hour, 24 minutes with added weight of the extra ruck.

One AFMAO master sergeant did it as a test of his 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 Tech. Sgt. Gail Reed-Harmon, 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron. "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."

Staff Sgt. Mable Justice, also with the 512th MAS, echoed a similar sentiment. By participating, she said she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

"I also felt very sore," she added.

While many had to push themselves physically to complete the course, many who crossed the finish line had smiles on their faces.

The team of Tech. Sgt. Paul Schuster, Senior Airman Ethan Jensen, Airman 1st class Dustin Carlton and Airman 1st Class Marcus Lopez, all members of 436th Aerial Port Squadron, placed first in the ruck march with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, 45 seconds.

(Staff Sgt. Danella Shea, 512th Public Affairs, contributed to this story.)