Team Kirtland 9/11 Memorial Ruck commemorates 20th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Kirtland Air Force Base 377th Security Forces Squadron and first responders hosted the annual 9/11 Memorial Ruck at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sep. 11, 2021, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the historic event.

The four mile memorial ruck march is held annually to memorialize those who lost their lives in the tragic 9/11 attacks.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kara Rogers, 58th Operation Support Squadron Aerial Delivery Flight Airman and ruck participant, shared why the memorial ruck is important to her.

“The United States has not been the same since the 9/11 attacks,” said Rogers. “This memorial ruck is important because we are honoring those who lost their lives and remembering their sacrifice.”

The ruck included an opening ceremony at the Mountain View Club where Col. John Scott, 150th Special Operations Wing vice commander, Col. Michael Curry, 58th Special Operations Wing commander and Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing commander, provided words of reflection before participants began a four mile route. Many participants wore their duty gear, or a 30-pound ruck during the march and completed 20 push-ups at Hardin Field to represent each year since the 9/11 attacks.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing commander, delivered closing remarks after the ruck.

“It’s been many years since 9/11 and there are people participating in the ruck that were not born when this tragic event happened,” said Vattioni. “The first year, tenth year, and twentieth year are all cause for reflection, cause to commemorate and to never forget.  We strive to move forward and build a better planet.”