POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- During an early Spring morning, a light breeze passes between Airmen on Pope Army Airfield as they greet each other and make casual conversation. Gathered with purpose on a sunny day, they prepare for the Fourth Annual Memorial Ruck, May 19, 2026.
The event usually happens close to Memorial Day weekend and is intended to give Airmen the opportunity to pay tribute to the Team Pope legacy and honor fallen comrades.
“Be thankful this day for the brave men and women who went before us – especially for those who paid the ultimate price,” said Maj. Patrick Bracken, 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group (AMOG) Chaplain, while providing opening remarks in the form of a prayer. “We pray that you would fortify each and every one of our hearts, that if we are called upon to do the same, we would willingly do so for the greater good of our nation.”
More than 200 Airmen and civilians from across Team Pope took part in the ruck. Rucking is a form of exercise where participants walk at varying speeds or jog while wearing weighted backpacks or vests.
For military members, Memorial Day is more than a day off. It’s not just a day when the local pool opens or a prime opportunity to barbecue. It is a day with the core purpose to mourn and honor service members who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
“For some of you, this is probably your first memorial event while in uniform,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tomio P. Brown Sr., 43rd AMOG command chief. “I want to welcome you. For most of you, this isn't your first memorial event. For most of you, this is the third, fourth, fifth, 25th iteration of a memorial event in your entire career, and so, with that comes a sense of responsibility. A responsibility to train the next generation of youngsters that will hopefully replace us all, to include myself and Col. Steinke.
Today, we’re going to [honor] some [Airmen] along this Memorial Ruck who have given their ultimate sacrifice,” he continued. “They didn't do it in vain. They did it for a purpose. They did it to defend our nation and our way of life.”
Along the way, easels with a photo of deceased Airmen were placed along the way with QR codes linking to an audio file of their story. Participants were encouraged to listen to these stories while completing the seven-mile trek.
At the conclusion of the event, members gathered at the start point to reflect on the sacrifice of those who came before them and to enjoy the friendship and comradery of those who remain with a burger burn hosted by the Pope Top III and games brought by the USO.