Ruck march set May 16

  • Published
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Travis First Sergeants Council is scheduled to host the fifth annual Gold Star Ruck March May 16 in support of Gold Star Families throughout the local community and across the country.

The ruck march, which consists of a 10-kilometer course around the base, is intended to honor families that have lost a loved one in defense of this country. According to Master Sgt. John Werner, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, all proceeds from this event will support the annual GSF Honor and Remembrance event held at the Marine's Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco. 

The term "Gold Star Family" originates with service flags. According to Title 36 of the United States Code, starting in World War I, American families would display service flags on their homes to signify military service. Later codified after World War II and still recognized today, a blue star signifies a deployed service member, a silver star means a family member was injured in battle and a gold star means that a family member has paid the ultimate sacrifice.

For Senior Master Sgt. Reny Nunag, who marched in last year's event, the importance of the symbolic ruck far outweighs any raised funds.

"This was a moment of celebration and remembrance," he said at the conclusion of the ruck march. "The hardest thing to endure as a military member is when we lose a loved one. The most impactful and meaningful part of this event is to show the families that we grieve and celebrate with them."

Last year's event featured an attendance of more than 300 participants.

As in past marches, participants have the option of competing in four person teams or as individuals, as well as with or without a 30-pound ruck sack.

The cost of registration is $60 per team or $15 per individual. However, registration is free for spouses and children of deployed servicemembers.

To register for the Gold Star Ruck March or for more information, logon to https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=233911&k=006241007A56 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GoldStarFamiliesRuckMarch.