830 miles, 5 states and 11 days. That is the objective for a group from the Air Force Speical Tactics team.
Their reason for the trip – honoring fallen heroes and Gold Star Families.
The group of 20 Airmen is now in Louisiana, starting their treck from Lackland, Texas on February 22. They will travel 830 miles, on foot and in shifts, until they reach their destination in Hurlburt Field, Florida.
As of Tuesday night, the special tactics Airmen were past Kinder headed East on US 190.
According to the US Airforce Special Tactics website, the Airmen are rucking to pay tribute to Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, who was killed in Afghanistan Nov. 27, 2018, along with 19 other special tactics Airmen who have been killed in action since 9/11.
The route mimics the two-year training passage endured by special tactics Airmen as they begin their training at Medina Annex and later graduate at Hurlburt Field after becoming combat ready.
Their progress can be monitored here. The group says that others are welcome to join or cheer them on, holding flags on overpasses or along the roadway if possible.
