Third Annual Ruck March May 29th
The 3rd Annual Ruck March, in Jefferson County, sponsored by VFW Post 3380, will be held on May 29th, 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 weighted backpack.
Poe emphasizes our society’s need to return to honoring our military’s sacrifice on this day, and the march is all a part of an effort to provide an option for our community to honor the sacrifice of our military personnel, and to return Memorial Day to its original purpose. Poe, who grew up being mentored by his Father Major Russell Turner and co-founder of the Memorial Day Ruck March, is now a retired Army man.
“My Dad is my hero. I watched him deploy in support of every major US 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 and Turner want 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 a Volunteer for the Tennessee Achieves program mentoring local students through a scholarship program, as well as a Champion for the Governor’s Healthier Tennessee Initiative, Jefferson Joins’, that promotes healthy living.
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 all proceeds go to support the Dandridge VFW.
“You will be glad you invested your time,” encourages Poe.
American or military service organizations’ flags are welcome.
For more info, contact Kevin Poe through his email: kpoe2000@gmail.com or go to memorialdayruckmarch.com
Complimentary water will be provided at the start point, and along the way and food at the finish line
