Services members ruck for Gold Star Mothers families

Published Oct. 28, 2015
By Senior Airman Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Members of Team MDL gathered to participate in the ninth Annual Gold Star Mothers Ruck March Oct. 26, 2015, here.
The First Sergeant Council organized the 10k ruck march to highlight the Gold Star Mothers program, a support network for mothers and other family members who have lost a direct relative in the line of military service.

"The McGuire First Sergeant Council puts together this great event each year and it was a tremendous honor for me to lead this year's event," said Master Sgt. Keith Rotz, 621st Contingency Response Squadron first sergeant. "Seeing so many people from the Joint Base and nearby communities in attendance to pay tribute the New Jersey Gold Star Mothers families and all Gold Star Mothers families across the nation makes this event all worthwhile."

Approximately 160 participants bore the brunt of almost freezing temperatures that morning to rally together with 30-50 lb. rucks on their backs and show support for the gold star family members wearing anything from camo pants to shirts.

Some rallied in teams for specific Gold Star Mothers families while others marched alone in a display of solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones.
"We have an amazing military family," said Col. John Price, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander. "Our military members feel for each and every one of our fallen family members. We gathered here to remind our gold star families that they are also a part of our military family."

Price spoke in a ceremony before the march in which the 20 Gold Star Mothers and family members from New Jersey and Pennsylvania were honored by the teams representing them in the march. The mothers and family members were presented mementos and welcomed with open arms to the event.

"I'm participating today to let the Gold Star Mothers families know that the hardship of losing their loved ones does not fall solely on their shoulders," said Col. Charles Kelm, 87th Mission Support Group commander. "The event ensures they know they are a part of the military family and not alone."

Each participant had a slightly different motivation to march, but the common theme was honoring their fallen brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.

"I lost several close friends during my time spent in Iraq," said Army Master Sgt. David Kennedy, Fort Dix NCO Academy course manager. "It shows those family members we haven't forgotten their loss. I knew Sgt. Brian Freeman; I deployed with him to Iraq. My team and I are marching today in his honor and for his family."

Freeman, who was killed when his unit came under small arms and rocket fire in Iraq, was one of many on people's minds that day who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"This event is about people coming out to run and supporting someone they don't even know and that is so special to me," said Jon Hicks, Gold Star Mother member.

Jon and his wife Cathy Hicks traveled from Atco, N.J., to attend the ruck march for the sixth time in honor of their son Lance Cpl. John T. Hicks, Jr., who gave his life in service to the military.

"There's always a connection to find amongst the people who show up," said Cathy. "One year we met a participant who lived down the street from my sister. We realized we knew his parents very well and that he was running for us. It's little things like that that we take as a sign that Jon is still with us and puts us at ease."