2nd Annual Memorial Day RUCK March To Be Held To Honor Vets
Kevin Poe
Photo courtesy of Rev. Debra Shultz
This Memorial Day will be filled with families enjoying their traditional family cookouts and parties, but there will be one group of folks putting down their burgers and potato salad, and using this holiday to salute the many sacrifices of our military.
The 2nd Annual Ruck March, in Jefferson County, will be held on Memorial Day, and the walk will begin at the Jefferson City Community Center @ 7am. Registration is at 6:30 am. The 8 mile march will end at Brazelton Lodge, across from 1st Baptist Church in Dandridge.
“The Ruck March is a day to remember the sacrifice our nation’s heroes have paid,” shares Kevin Poe, a local advocate for revitalizing the respect of our military.
Those participating will be carrying thirty pound backpacks for 8 miles on their backs. The sack is symbolic of the weight our service members carry. The term ‘Ruck’, simply means to move toward a destination with a purpose, with a weighed backpack.
Poe emphasizes our society’s desperate need to return to honoring our military’s sacrifice on this day, and the march is all a part of an effort to revolutionize a movement that will reestablish the mindset that we, as a Nation, need to honor God, Country and the sacrifice of our military personnel, and to return Memorial Day to its original purpose, and that is: “Reestablishing respect for this holiday is just a part of building integrity and character, in our society.”
“Never forget” is about honor, and the importance that we always remember our men and women who have fought and are out there fighting for things we are enjoying every day – and unfortunately sometimes take for granted – such as our freedom.
“These two words are literal at their sound,” states Poe. “Never forget the sacrifices of our military personal.”
Poe, who grew up being mentored by his Father Major Russell Turner, is now a retired Army man.
“My Dad clearly is my hero. He was in active duty and I watched him deploy in support of every major conflict from 1980 forward.”
When 911 happened, Poe, at the young age of only 19, withdrew from College to join the Army, and immediately entered basic training.
“I knew that it was my turn,” shared Poe passionately. “I have an enormous admiration for our military and it has been a part of my life in one way or another for over 20 years.”
Poe wants to raise the standard bar in our community and challenge others to step into the shoes of a soldier for one day, by joining the Ruck march. He wants to bring back honor to our military in our Jefferson County community.
Poe, who is a family man and a father of two girls, is truly active in the Jefferson County community and isn’t just standing on the sidelines.
He puts his money and time where his mouth is, as a volunteer and board member for several organizations that influence the youth of our community; such as Boys and Girls Club, Rescue 180 (Jefferson County’s Substance Abuse Coalition), and is currently working toward becoming a mentor for the 4th Judicial Recovery Court for Veterans.
Poe is also very active in promoting the movement of Operation Enduring Warrior. More information about this mission can be found at enduringwarrior.org.
“The goal is to empower our nations wounded to get out and overcome obstacles they may have, through mental and physical evolutions, by way of obstacle course racing and several other programs we offer. This is a 100% VOLUNTEER nonprofit- started by veterans, but not limited to them.”
Poe pours himself into this mission stating, “The face of my brothers and sisters are many. They have carried a weight that less than 0.45% of the American Population have ever shouldered. It is my obligation as a brother to reach down and pull them up, but the irony is, the hand reaching for help, was and is stronger than the one reaching back to give it! When I blink, I see my brothers and sisters, I personally choose to never forget!”
Poe, was in active duty serving his country for 5 years, stationed in Fort Lewis, WA; Pusan, South Korea; and Camp Delta, Cuba (housing captured terrorists).
He encourages our community to come out and join the march, the charge is $10, and proceeds go to support the Dandridge VFW, AND THEIR MISSION.
‘You will be glad you invested your time,” admonishes Poe.
American or military service organizations’ flags are welcome.
For more info, contact Kevin Poe through his email: kpoe2000@gmail.com
