Photo By Sgt. L'Erin Wynn | Soldiers with 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) participate in the "Ruck 22" event...... read more read more
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DESTIN, Fla. -- “Be social. Let’s come together as a community and help each other out,” said Johnny Moses, president, Special Forces Association Chapter 7.
On November 11, 2017, the Emerald Coast community along with 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) did just that in celebration of veterans of every ilk during the annual Emerald Coast Honor Games at Legendary Marine.
The purpose of the day-long event was to raise spirits, awareness and funds in honor of the defenders of the front line.
According to SFACH7 President Johnny Moses, funds raised will be donated equally to four charitable organizations to include the Destin-based SFACH7, and in support of the nation’s third largest Veteran population: The Emerald Coast community.
Moses explained that bridging the gap between service members and civilians is a large part of the organization’s community engagement strategy. By continuing to being involved in the community, 7th SFG(A) will be shown in a good light.
“Ruck 22,” one of many main events during the Honor Games, was an all-ages-and-abilities-activity that provided participants with a unique opportunity to interact with and join area service members in an honorary ruck march of 22 full laps around Destin Middle School’s track.
Active duty members of the 7th SFG(A) were present to lead, encourage and march with members of the community.
“The Ruck 22 event was something near and dear to our hearts. We know that, on average, 22 veterans commit suicide every day and that’s completely unsatisfactory,” said Moses. “What we are doing here is showing anyone out there considering suicide that we’re here for you, you’re not alone, don’t think that you’re alone. I’ve got your back in war, so there’s no reason that I wouldn’t have your back any other time.”
The U.S. Army Special Operations Black Daggers Parachute Demonstration Team kicked off the Ruck 22 event a way to increase awareness.
Following Ruck 22, a CrossFit-style fitness competition was also held. Several 7th SFG(A) Soldiers competed in honor of their battle buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This fitness challenge is a display of strength and camaraderie,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mindy Carter, sexual assault response coordinator, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “The completion brought together hundreds of competitors and spectators who came out to bring honor to our cause.”
“Community engagement groups are super important, especially for 7th SFG(A),” said Moses.
“The community doesn’t know yet know enough about us. For the first time as a part of the Emerald Coast Honor Games, this was a perfect opportunity to showcase to our community who we are as an organization.”
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2017 11:37 |
| Story ID: | 255221 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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