Memories of Memorial Day

The Ruck to Remember started as it was intended with troops gathered at the base of the Iwo Jima Memorial to meet, greet and prepare for the coming hours of intense hiking.  The mental and physical challenges were about to begin.  Everyone was excited, anxious and ready to roll.

Team Leaders

I for one was nervous, this was something I had been training for for months.  Had I done enough, did I have everything, would I succeed, would I fail, will everyone be okay, what was the trail like, would I remember to eat, did I have the right stuff for blisters and on and on the questions went through my mind......but, everyone was so easy going and excited the fear quickly subsided and I boarded the bus headed to Harper's Ferry West Virginia and life as I once knew it.



We were met at Harper's Ferry by a delightful man I called "The Piper", later I would have the privilege of also becoming acquainted with his wife.  Both have served in the military as well as being raised in the military.  They know the value of honor, commitment and sacrifice.

Team Leaders - John Meyers and John Henry !

Heat Exhaustion knocked me off the Appalachian Trail on the second leg and I had to return to camp - spent the next ????? hours in the van trying to recover - My wonderful Leader John Meyers walked me back off the trail to safety and returned to the team.  He did double miles to catch up.  Because I was determined not to quit, Keith Jolly along with John Meyers and Patty Martinez placed me on the Red Shirt Team and I proudly became a member of the Support Team - The Ruck changed for me, but it didn't stop.  I completed my journey with new purpose, new dedication and a new goal - making sure that every remaining member of the Team received everything they needed, when they needed it and with a smile on my face.

Our journey's my not be what we dreamed, but if we remember that the mission is bigger than we are, the tasks is not about us and stay focused on the team, the outcome is always better than we could possible dream.

Thank You Ruck To Remember for making Memorial Day 2014 all about service, sacrifice, honor and dedication.