MOODY AIR FORCE, Ga. -- The 347th Operations Support Squadron hosted Moody’s 3rd annual ruck march in support of National POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 18, 2020, here.
Over 100 people participated in a ruck march, lasting from sun up to sun down, in honor of the service and sacrifice of our nations POW/MIA.
Master Sgt. Levi Wood with the 347th OSS, a two-time ruck participant, went above and beyond to pay tribute to POW/MIA by rucking for five hours.
“It’s an opportunity to reflect on why we have a POW/MIA day,” said Wood. “It allows me to pay tribute to people who have sacrificed a lot for their country and to get other people thinking about it as well.”
Participating teams of at least five people competed the 3-mile trek around Moody’s Mission Lake while carrying the POW/MIA flag for a total of 24 one-hour blocks.
“Rucking isn’t easy; strapping 30-plus pounds to your back and walking for three miles wears on your body and mind,” said Antonio Delvecchio, POW/MIA ruck event organizer. “It’s a good reminder of how those POW’s [and their family members] felt not having closure.
“The purpose behind this ruck is to not forget those who never made it back on American soil and to keep their legacy alive. As people are rucking, we would like them to reflect on those who are still missing and those who were imprisoned during wars on foreign soils.”
This year’s ruck march had to be coordinated with public health to ensure the event met current COVID-19 guidance.
“We had to limit the number of participants,” said Delvecchio. “Last year we had full squadrons rucking, and this year we limited the group sizes but still turned out 120 participants.
“We are always looking for new ideas and how to do things better. So there will be a push to make it a bigger event next year, continue to do this annually and actively try to grow our participation numbers.”