FORT HOOD, TX – The Greywolf brigade has kicked off an event inspiring families to get up and move and “Walk” to Korea.
The event was organized by Soldier Family Readiness Group advisor Kim Black, SFRG leader for 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
“I actually got the idea from the brigade that was in Korea prior to us, the Bulldogs” Black said. “I thought it would be something fun and a way for the families to get together and get moving.”
The walk to Korea is approximately 6,519 miles to Camp Hovey from Fort Hood. Any activity can be logged as miles to get families one step closer to making it to Korea. Participating members can log their own miles to see how close they are getting to their loved one.
“It can be walking, biking, running or any type of exercises that can be logged onto the conversion chart in miles,” Black said. “Every little step get us closer to our loved ones.”
While the Greywolf brigade is deployed forward in the Republic of Korea, Black mentioned that sometimes may be hard for the active lifestyle to be maintained while your Soldier is deployed.
“You are so focused on keeping the household running, it’s easy to get caught up in things; it’s also a good way for those families who maybe don’t have children and are here alone, to get out and meet other members.”
Even though the Warhorse SFRG plans activities for the families, it does not distract from the main priority which is making sure families are informed and being taken care of, regardless of the situation.
“Our focus is to keep the families informed,” said Black. “We want to build a family and make sure those families feel connected.
“We don’t want them to feel alone when the Soldiers are gone and we want them to know there is still someone here, someone that cares about them and any information, any problems, we want them to know we are there for them.”
Despite being Warhorse organized event, Black said opening up the event to the entire brigade has made it for some friendly competition between battalions.
“It is a fun way to meet other SFRG groups and see how motivated families are to be involved.” She said “When we can lean on one another, it really brings the whole brigade together and embodies that ‘We Are’ spirit.”
The walk to Korea will continue until all 6,519 miles are logged. Families are encouraged to get all members of their family involved, to meet their Soldier in Korea. Once they “reach” Korea, they are invited to “walk back” as a way to signify they are bringing their Soldier home.