Hunters honor fallen defenders

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. S.S.
  • 432nd Wing, 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
LAS VEGAS, Nev. --  Members of the 432nd Operations Support Squadron completed a 10 kilometer memorial ruck march here Oct. 18 to honor fallen security forces Airmen.

The event, which is in its fourth year, typically takes place at Camp Bulls, Texas, but since the 432nd OSS team couldn't travel there members chose instead to march in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area outside of Las Vegas.

"The event takes place in San Antonio, since that's where the museum is," said Staff Sgt. Clay, 432nd OSS member and detached team coordinator. "We weren't able to make it to Texas this year, but we wanted to show our support anyway, so we created a detached team in Las Vegas."

The march is a memorial and charity event intended to honor the 10 Air Force defenders who have been killed in the line of duty during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Family members and friends of those being honored attended the main event at Camp Bullis.

"It's a humbling experience to meet the families of the defenders who have been killed overseas," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Petruzzi, USAF Security Forces Academy instructor and Camp Bullis ruck march coordinator. "It's also an honor to know that teams across the country are supporting the march this year."

In Las Vegas, the 432nd OSS team members marched approximately four-and-a-half hours to complete the march while carrying packs weighing as much as 30 percent of their individual body weight.

Capt. Blake, a 432nd OSS member and event participant, said it was important for him to participate because it was a way to say 'thank you' to the families of those who sacrificed their lives in support of our freedom.

This marks the first year that detached teams participated in the event, and the 432nd OSS was the inaugural team.

Between pledges from volunteers, T-shirt sales, and other donations, this year's ruck march participants have raised more than $3,800, which will be donated to the museum in Texas.