Wolf Pack marches for freedom, pauses for taps this 9/11

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Members of the Wolf Pack remembered the events of 9/11 in their own ways, but several joined up for a 10-mile ruck march and the command post played taps at the exact time each attack took place here Sept. 11.

"Our march was important for Wolf Pack members to step outside their comfort zone and do something that helps put them in the mind set of the firefighters, policemen and military members providing emergency services that day," said. Tech. Sgt. Jason Martinez, 8th Operations Support Squadron weapons and tactics NCO in charge. "We got to experience what those folks had to physically go through 10 years ago."

An American flag, originally flown in an F-16 Fighting Falcon by Col. Scott Pleus, 8th Fighter Wing commander, was carried by various members of the marching formation for 10 miles with each mile representing each year since the attacks.

"It felt good to pay tribute to those we lost on 9/11," said Tech. Sgt. Chad Calahan, 8th FW flight safety NCO in charge. "I remember for me I was at Seymour-Johnson AFB as a crew chief on the flightline with my F-15E [Strike Eagle] loaded up with life weapons waiting for the call to respond. It was probably one of the scariest days in my career. So this march allowed us to take time out on our Sunday to show respect for all those who lost their lives that day."

Just as significant as the ruck, three Airmen from the 8th FW's command post had the opportunity to play taps at the exact time each of the attacks took place.

"Personally, I thought it was an honor to play taps for 9/11," said Master Sgt. Marlin Stevnson, 8th FW command post console operations NCO in charge. "It gave us an opportunity to honor the people who lost their lives and the families who lost loved ones."

At the end of the day, all Wolf Pack members remembered what that day meant to them in their own unique way. Some were directly affected and some simply remember where they were and what they were doing. The day, which is known as the present day "Pearl Harbor", was given the respect and admiration it deserves.

The flag the ruckers marched will be cased in a shadow box and put on display with photos and a plaque in the wing's headquarters marking the horrific attack's 10-year anniversary.

"It's a way of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Delveau, 8th FW command chief. "Participating in a 10-mile march is the least we can do to pay tribute and grow as Airmen in the esprit de corps as we all shared our memories from that frightful day 10 years ago."

"The events of 9/11 are those we'll always remember and take courage knowing what we fight for is for all those individuals who lost their lives to those who wished to do evil on American's and the free world," the chief added.

The next ruck with the wing's command chief is scheduled for Sept. 23.

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