Ruck march honors fallen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, AZ --  Airmen and local community members came together Saturday to honor military members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country by participating in the annual March of the Fallen rucksack march through the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Participants either "ruck" or "motivate" in the event. There were three weight categories ruck participants could select to carry ranging from 45 to 75 pounds. Motivators accompany ruck participants side-by-side to encourage them as they ruck to require distance. All participants received commemorative T-shirts upon successful completion of the journey.

The March of the Fallen is a 4.5-mile hike dedicated to honoring those who gave their lives during the war efforts of operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

The rucksack march was created in 2011 by Staff Sgt. Alan McMurray, 56th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy technician, after consolidating a combination of ideas and past experiences.

"Their watch is now over, so we carry their weight upon our backs and continue onward in their honor," McMurray said.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Luke Airman's Fund, he said.
There were more than 200 participants in this year's event with 40 volunteers. They raised approximately $7,500. This year saw more than double the number of participants and quadrupled the amount of money raised since the program began.

The guest speaker, retired Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, was wounded in 2007 while deployed to Iraq after an improvised explosive device detonated two feet from his face. The blast severely injured Slaydon, resulting in the loss of his left arm and his eyesight.

Slaydon motivated the crowd with his words and by telling his experiences.

"Just remember the experience you're getting to have today - one so many would give much to be able to participate in," he said. "Don't just do it today for those who we left on the battlefield, do it for those who are unable to experience this due to their injuries. They are fallen as well."

Todd Hornback, executive director of Community Life DMB and a part of Fighter Country Partnership Blue Blazer Squadron, saw this year's event as a success and wants to see even more participants next year.

"There are marathons, triathlons and 5k runs, but there's nothing like the March of the Fallen," he said. "It's challenging, but also unique as well. To honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice is an amazing feeling."