MEMORIAL RUck, run or walk TO

HONOR the fallen 

 

March for the Fallen is a local event with global recognition of the service and sacrifice of our United States military members, along with the families, friends and battle buddies who have stood alongside.

But everything has a back story, and this is ours.

In the spring of 2004, the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry deployed to Iraq. They were based at Logistical Support Area Highlander adjacent to the International (Green) Zone in Baghdad, providing security for the Green Zone and conducting full spectrum operations in southeast Baghdad. The 1-161 faced stiff opposition from the Mahdi Army, and on July 8 & 9, 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon was caught in an ambush during a patrol.

Taking care of their own, 1st Squad went into action to rescue their brothers. But the battle was intense, and SPC Jeremiah Schmunk was killed in that rescue operation. He was just 20 years old.

Mike Stutzke was a SSG at the time, and squad leader of the team Jeremiah's squad had come to rescue. He had this to say about Jeremiah. "...Schmunk was one of a kind, the kind of guy that keeps you going. One time I said the word ‘hate’ in a sentence, and Schmunk told me, "Please don't say hate, it is such a powerful word." I'll never forget that. It was my squad that Schmunk and his squad were coming to get out of trouble the night he died. I honestly believe if he and his squad had not come, we would not be here. I am forever grateful to my brother, and credit the life I get to live as thanks to him and his squad that night."

The past has a way of catching up to us, and sometimes just remembering isn't enough. So 10 years after that devastating night, Mike Stutzke started March for the Fallen. In Jeremiah's honor, as well as all those we've lost since 9/11. 

March for the Fallen’s motto is ‘Come for the run, stay for the camaraderie.’ And that’s easy to do with food, live music, lawn games, raffles, face painting and more. It’s a family-friendly event with lots of space for everyone. Whether you want to be in the crowd or just outside it, together we remember better, and we invite you to come.

Over 300 Fallen Hero banners flank the course, and participants can choose to ruck, run or walk. The further you go, the more banners you’ll see, and the more you’ll help us with the goal to tell their stories...to share who they are that serve our flag, and did so with all they had to give. 

It's been 20 years since that night the 1-161 lost a Hero. But in their minds, sometimes it's always yesterday. Let's show them that no matter how many 'yesterdays' it's been, together we will remember.
~ Thank you for Honoring our Heroes ~