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Rucking to remember the 'Chosin Few'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  On Nov. 27, 1950, approximately 20,000 allied troops consisting of U.S. Marines and United Nations troops were encircled and attacked by more than 120,000 Chinese combat forces in North Korea. For 19 days, a bloody battle ensued in subzero conditions that claimed the lives of 15,000 allied forces and killed or injured more than 40,000 Chinese troops. The battle has been recorded as one of the most savage in modern history and will forever be remembered as the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

After more than 65 years of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Team Dover rucked to remember the "Chosin Few," who fought during the battle. The 17th Annual Korean War Ruck March took place Feb. 27, 2016, at Dover AFB.

Approximately 130 participants from Team Dover, the Delaware State Police and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps formed four-man teams that rucked a 6.2 mile course on Dover AFB. All involved were outfitted with a 30-pound ruck sack and were required to be in some fashion of military or tactical clothing and combat boots. Registration fees paid for medals that were handed out to the top three finishing teams. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Korean War Veterans Association.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Faivre, 436th Security Forces Squadron unit deployment manager, led the organization of the ruck march for the third straight year and said he has built a personal relationship with the Korean War Veterans Association.

"Because of the traditions that are happening here, I like to uphold and stay with the Korean War Veterans Association and see that the ruck march gets done and they get our proceeds from the event," said Faivre. "Every year we try to get more participants than the previous year so we can raise more money to give to this great organization."

Since Faivre has taken over the organization of the annual ruck march, Team Dover has donated $4,800 to the Korean War Veterans Association. The donated funds are used by the KWVA to support veterans of all wars, donate to Fisher Houses at various military installations, provide funds and communications support to the Delaware Veterans' Home and provide an honor guard at local community events.

Even though participating in this ruck march has become a tradition for many, there were some participants, and in some cases entire teams, who came out to support the Korean War Veterans for the first time.

Capt. Casey Keppler, 436th Airlift Wing Staff Judge Advocate adverse actions chief, organized a team with all first-time competitors. Keppler said he valued the education brief before the start of the ruck, which described the weather and battle conditions during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

"It was good to see that everybody who was participating knew why we were doing this," said Keppler. "It certainly provides a bit of prospective when you're out there four miles in and you think it's tough and then you realize it could be 60 degrees colder and you could have people shooting at you."

KWVA Chapter 3 President Dr. Daniel Coons and four other Korean War veterans attended the ruck march to show their support. Dr. Coons gave a heartfelt speech, shedding tears throughout. He spoke about today's military and the faith veterans like himself have in it.

"We old veterans consider that the U.S. warriors that are here today are capable of taking up where we left off," said Coons during his speech. "Are you ready to assume the mantle of the warriors from World War II and the Korean War as the greatest generation? I speak for my brothers and sisters and for Korean War vets, giving a resounding 'you bet.' You are the new greatest generation and the best this country has produced."