Ruck march kicks off POW/MIA week Published Sept. 23, 2013 By by Senior Airman Xavier Lockley 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 27th Special Operations Wing kicked off Prisoner of War/Missing In Action week with a ruck march Sept. 16, 2013 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Remembering those who have come before is a long-lasting tradition in the military. Members of Cannon took time from their day to ruck and pay tribute to those who were captured, missing or gave their lives while fighting for a greater cause. "We never forget those who have yet to come home," said Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron quality control NCO in charge. "By conducting a ruck march, we honor events like the Bataan Death March; it's a small act that shows a token of appreciation and respect to our POW/MIA family." The Bataan Death March, which began on April 9, 1942, was the forcible transfer of 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American POWs after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II. "This ruck march shows that we appreciate what they went through to make sure that America was safe; their sacrifices really meant a lot for our country," said Shaffer. For some active duty members, meeting a POW is a special time because they get the opportunity to listen to what the POW went through during their career. "During my time at Hurlburt Field, Fla., I had the pleasure of meeting two POWs: Col. Bud Day and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mike Durant. I was honored to meet both men and for them to share their stories of sacrifice for our country. It was a very inspirational experience, especially speaking with Day, because he was a Medal of Honor winner," said Shaffer. The people who participated in this event were highly motivated to be able to honor those who have put their lives on the line for the freedom all Americans love and cherish. "It was an honor to pay tribute to all the military members who have suffered and made sacrifices for our country and have set the foundation for where we are today," said Senior Airman Tyler Mitchell, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron wing communications security accountant. "This is the least we can do to show our respect to those who have made the biggest sacrifice in preserving our rights as Americans. In order for us to preserve the memories of those that came before us, it's important to not only stand by the words 'you are not forgotten', but to take action and show gratitude." Support for those who suffered and made sacrifices for America is vital to understanding what we as a nation have gone through. "I loved seeing the camaraderie between all the participants," said Mitchell. "Everyone felt connected because we were all there for the same, meaningful reason. I felt honored to be able to pay tribute to all POW/MIA."