ROCKWALL, TX (November 13, 2014) It was a cold and windy Tuesday but that did not stop a group of local veterans from marching in memory and honor of fellow military veterans this Veteran’s Day.
Patrick Wolfe and Dusty Sluder organized what in the military is referred to as a “ruck march” to show their support. A ruck march involves walking at a fast clip over rugged terrain with a weighted backpack. In the Armed Forces, participants carry at least 45 lbs. in their backpack, in addition to their helmet, canteens, shoulder harness and weapon. That’s exactly what Wolfe, Sluder, and several other veterans did this Veteran’s Day. The march originated from Honda Cars of Rockwall and covered over 10 miles around Rockwall.
The group carried weights in their backpacks and even took it a step further. Veteran’s Day is just not about service in recent wars – it encompasses all American conflicts. To show their support for generations of service the group took turns pushing 2 disabled veterans from the Vietnam War in wheel chairs along the 10 mile route.
Patrick Wolfe, a former Marine and now employee of Honda Cars of Rockwall, was overwhelmed by the Rockwall community’s response. “The support was incredible from passing traffic. Not only did we get cheers and honks from drivers and passengers, one woman even pulled over, got out, and cried as she thanked us for our service.”
Following the march, the group gathered again at Honda Cars of Rockwall where owners Mike and Robin Chouteau treated the veterans and their entire staff to a Veteran’s Day cook out. The honor of veterans is a priority to Mike Chouteau. Mike served several years in the Navy and employs several veterans as well. In addition to supporting the ruck march, Chouteau donated $5,000 to help with the construction of a new home being given to Cpl. Michael Fox in Rockwall.
The group hopes to increase participation next year. “We are excited by the march this year and by the turn out,” said Sluder, co-organizer of the event. “I wasn’t expecting this many people to come out given how cold it is but I am excited by the support and the idea of making this an annual event.”
Story and photos submitted by John Radzwilla.
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