First Salem ‘Ruck Walk’ honors wounded veterans, police
The Oregon Public Safety Academy was the perfect starting point for Saturday’s first-ever Operation Enduring Warrior 12-mile Ruck Walk in Salem. The Salem City Ruck Tour is one of over 50 City Ruck Tours happening across the country this year.
The group consisted of veterans, law enforcement personnel, and members of the community, marching 12 miles together to showcase the mission of Operation Enduring Warrior, which now extends support to wounded law enforcement members through Task Force Sentinel.
A total of 46 individuals participated in the first-ever ruck walk held in Salem, many of which were military veterans, and 21 were law enforcement officers. Each participant wore a ruck sack on their back.
The goal of the ruck walk was to promote the Operation Enduring Warrior/Task Force Sentinel and honor our military veterans and law enforcement members.
The walk began after a brief ceremony at the State’s Fallen Law Enforcement and Fallen Firefighters Memorials at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and finished at the State Capitol after passing various veteran’s memorials in Salem.
Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW)/ Task Force Sentinel, is a veteran-founded nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation’s wounded veterans and law enforcement personnel through a physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation.
OEW is a completely volunteer run organization. Donations go directly towards operational support of the organization and its different programs.
Notable Guest Speakers/ Participants
Trooper Nic Cederberg – Trooper Cederberg was shot 12 times on Christmas 2016. He was named 2017 North America’s Trooper of the Year. Trooper Cederberg spoke during the kick off ceremony.
Oregon City PD Chief Jim Band – Chief Band represents the agency that lost Reserve Officer Robert Libke, when he was shot in the line of duty in 2013. Chief Band spoke during the kick off ceremony.
Sgt. Damon Coates – Sgt. Coates was shot in the face in 2003 and was left partially paralyzed. He completed the last four miles of the the 12-mile route in his wheelchair, with the aid of his wife, Tammy, and other friends and family members.
Deputy Sheriff Robby Nashif – Deputy Sheriff Nashif almost lost his leg in 2015 when he was struck by a vehicle while on duty on his motorcycle. Deputy Sheriff Nashif completed the 12-mile route.
Jourdan Smith– Joined the Army in 1999. Jourdan was injured in 2007 when he sustained a gunshot wound to the knee in Iraq. He suffered amputation of his leg. Jourdan completing the 12-mile route.
All participants marched out together with Ruck Leaders and adaptive athletes (Veterans and Law Enforcement) in the lead.
Adaptive athletes participating included
Sgt. Jourdan Smith – Army
MSG Mark Browning – Army
Sgt. Damon Coates – Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (Wheelchair)
Deputy Sheriff Robby Nashif – Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Speaking at closing ceremonies at the Oregon State Capitol were:
Sgt. Jourdan Smith – (Lost his leg after being shot through the knee in Iraq.)
MSG Mark Browning – (Served in Helmand, considered by most to be the deadliest province in Afghanistan.)
DPSST’s Director Eriks Gabliks said “we were honored to serve as the starting location for this important event that honors and supports those who have defended the freedoms we enjoy around the world and here at home.”
For more information please contact:
Crystal Mai Purdy
Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator
Operation Enduring Warrior
c.purdy@enduringwarrior.org
503-317-8908
http://www.enduringwarrior.org
