One step at a time - remembering the "Forgotten War"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Every year, during the bitter-cold winter months, service members and civilians from across the country converge on the Dover, Del., Air Mobility Command Museum to share in a time-honored tradition. Donning camouflage and combat boots, the four-man teams hoist 30-pound rucksacks onto each other's backs, strapping them down tight, and proceed to the starting line - awaiting the pistol shot that will begin their 6.2-mile ruckmarch. Approximately an hour later, having braved blisters and bruises, the first teams will cross the finish line, completing their tribute to warriors of a past generation and a "forgotten war" - veterans of the Korean War.

The ruckmarches, hosted by the 436th Security Forces Squadron, commemorate the "Chosin Few", troops who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, which took place Nov. 27 - Dec. 13, 1950. Approximately 20,000 soldiers and Marines comprising Army Lt. Gen. Edward Almond's "X Corps" took on an assaulting force of more than 120,000 Chinese soldiers. The outnumbered American defenders inflicted more than 40,000 casualties while suffering approximately 15,000 of their own. Those who survived the battle were forced to endure harsh winter weather, which resulted in thousands of additional deaths. A grueling battle - one Team Dover will not allow its members to forget.

"These marches provide an opportunity for us 'old warriors' to socialize with the 'young warriors' of today," said Dan Coons, state commander of the Korean War Veterans' Association. "This generation of service members is a throwback to the troops of the Korean War and World War II - tough as nails. I am very proud of them."

Team Dover will continue their commemoration of the historic battle with a ruckmarch at 9 a.m. Feb. 25 at the AMC Museum. This year's event is expected to draw in approximately 150 service members, spouses and community members, and will feature guest speakers from the Korean War Veterans' Association. The grueling 6.2-mile loop begins at the AMC Museum and snakes through the streets of Dover Air Force Base, Del., testing the determination and training of Team Dover members.

From its beginning, the march was designed to replicate the harsh conditions endured by the service members it is honoring. It is set during the coldest months of the year, and service members are required to wear boots and a rucksack filled with a 30-pound sandbag, said Staff Sgt. Matthew Knox, a Raven with the 436th Security Forces Squadron, who is one of the lead coordinators of this year's march.

Many runners begin training several months out to acclimate to the extra weight and challenge of running in boots. Runners compete in teams of four, serving as sources of support when muscles start burning. Some runners will even carry two rucksacks to lighten the load of a struggling teammate. According to participants, teamwork counts just as much as training.

Training is essential, but these marches are going to take a toll on the body no matter what, said Knox. People depend on each other for things like pacing and encouragement.

In spite of the challenge, many people have volunteered to conquer the ruckmarch; some have participated several years in a row. Melissa Fike, a military spouse and protestant activities coordinator at the Dover AFB chapel, will be participating for the third time. Fike's husband, Tech. Sgt. Adam Fike, introduced her to the march in 2010; now, Melissa Fike is encouraging fellow females - an underrepresented demographic at the marches - to join her.

"I would love to see more women participating in this event. To anyone who is on the fence about doing it, I say, 'just do it.' Honestly, what do you have to lose? It's a great way to show support [for Korean War veterans,] and challenge yourself," said Fike.

With more people turning out to support the march every year, Knox's vision - an Air Force-wide ruckmarch in support of Korean War veterans - is one year closer to becoming a reality. However, it may not succeed without the full support of Airmen everywhere.

"Currently, these marches are unique to Dover Air Force Base - I want Airmen in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) to take up the challenge too. With their support, the Air Force can ensure these veterans stay in hearts and minds worldwide; these men and women signed on the dotted line like all of us. No war is easy to go through, especially without a solid support system; through these marches, Airmen are showing these veterans support they will never be without," said Knox.

Getting Involved

To sign up for the Feb. 25 march, call Staff Sgt. Jessica Scott at (302) 677-6314. The signup fee is $50 before Feb. 17, and $70 thereafter; the fee goes toward refreshments, T-shirts and sandbags, and supports the Korean War Veterans' Association.

Volunteers are in demand to help manage the considerable logistical requirements of the march. Volunteers may serve as road-guards or water-distributors, set up and tear down the stage and sound equipment, and set up refreshments. Scott is also the point of contact to volunteer.