Keesler defenders complete 148-mile march

Published July 26, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nine members of the 81st Security Forces Squadron completed their 148-mile leg of the Air Force Security Forces 9/11 Ruck March to Remember Sunday.

"Security forces units from around the country are conducting the march to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and to pay tribute to fellow defenders who have fallen by enemy hands since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom," said Master Sgt. Daniel Fuentes Sr., Keesler's team leader.

Marching with Fuentes were eight other 81st SFS members who've been deployed to Southwest Asia -- Master Sgt. Michael Asdel; Staff Sgts. Austin Sutton and Nicholas and Shannon Tessmer; Senior Airmen Chelsie McCall and Christopher Hernandez and Airmen 1st Class Anthony Wilson and Brian Fossum.

Maj. Matthew Pignataro, 81st SFS commander, traveled to Gardner, La., Sunday with Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Bryant, security forces manager, to see his defenders hand off the 9/11 memorial guidon to the team from Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

"Keesler's defenders completed their grueling 148-mile ruck march in only 32 hours, finishing almost a day ahead of schedule," Pignataro said. "Everyone was in great spirits, with no injuries despite the high temperatures and humidity."

The handover ceremony took place near a local church, and the Keesler marchers were greeted by the church congregation, a motorcycle association, sheriff's deputies and a local television station.

"The support we received along the way was phenomenal," Master Sgt. Michael Asdel, acting first sergeant, pointed out. "It was an amazing reminder of why we do what we do.

"The people in Jasper, Texas, our home base, and Mayor Mike Lout treated us like royalty," Asdel commented. "The patriotism along our route was heartwarming."

Asdel explained that a single team member ran or walked for 15 minutes before being relieved by another team member. Each Keesler participant averaged 18 miles during the march.

"When you hit the tenth or eleventh hour, 15 minutes is a long time," he added.

"I am so proud of our team members and I'll remember our accomplishment for the rest of my life," Fuentes said. "I am humbled and proud to serve with you."

"Outstanding! My hat's off to the Keesler team for their efforts in this great cause!" said Col. Rodney Berk, 81st Mission Support Group commander.

The march proceeds through Shanksville, Pa., before terminating in New York City at "Ground Zero" in time for the 10th anniversary ceremony Sept. 11.

To follow the progress of the march, check out the Security Forces 9/11 Ruck March to Remember page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Security-Forces-911-Ruck-March-to-Remember/170407923010504.