by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Airmen wait to begin a 10K ruck during the Second Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run June 2 on Ramstein. Airey served as a B-24 aerial gunner during World War II. After crashing on enemy territory and becoming a prisoner of war, Airey and other prisoners of war were forced to march approximately 400 miles across Germany, after which Airey was eventually rescued.
The winners of the race charge for the finish line June 2 on Ramstein. Teams from various squadrons in the Kaiserslautern Military Community area took on the 10K ruck march challenge. Participants were allowed to walk or run but they had to be in uniform and carry 25lb rucks, or backpacks, from start to finish.
U.S. Airmen wait to begin a 10K ruck during the event. Approximateley 500 Airmen participated in the memorial events, including a 5K and 10K run or walk and a 10K ruck with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. Proceeds from the event went to the Air Force Enlisted Village, a community in Florida supporting spouses of enlisted Airmen.
Participants cross the finish line June 2 on Ramstein. Sponsored by the Ramstein Chiefs’ Group, the annual memorial events were established to honor the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Paul Airey, who survived a 400-mile march as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.
Runners approach the finish line June 2 on Ramstein. Teams and individuals from the Kaiserslautern Military Community area took on the 5K and 10K walk/run and the 10K ruck march challenge in remembrance of the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Paul Airey.
A participant of the ruck crosses the finish line June 2 on Ramstein.
Runners head for the finish line during the Second Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run June 2 on Ramstein.
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