With holidays commemorating the sacrifice of our troops, the service of our veterans and the celebration of independence, why would Milam County need another event which encompasses those same ideals? Bobbie Wiesman, founder of the Milam County Memorial Ruck and Ride, has a simple answer, “because it is the living who suffer the loss.”
Wiesman added, “First responders and military service members go to their work every day not knowing if it will be an extraordinary day at the office or not. It is easily forgotten the impact that has on their families.”
The Milam County Memorial Ruck and Ride is unlike other commemorative events in that the community participates actively with the families celebrating the honorees.
This year’s honorees are MSGT Charles Price III, 2LT Darryn Andrews and Texas State Game Warden Chris Wilson. The Ruck and Ride will be held on Dec. 17 with a Gold Star Family lunch following at VFW Post 2010 in Cameron.
After four years of rucking and motorcycle riding, this event has become a staple in the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association in the Central Texas area. It was a chance meeting of Ride Leader, Matt Klatt, with Grace Price, mother of MSGT Price, when they discovered Klatt had served with Charles Price in Charlie Company 3/41 at Fort Hood. Klatt will meet all riders at 10 a.m. in the Brookshire Brothers parking lot in Rockdale with a departure time of 10:30 a.m.
The ruck portion of the event has been hosted by Army veteran amputee celebrities, such as Earl Granville and Kris Biggs, along with their fellow Operation Enduring Warrior counterpart, Rick Kolberg. James Pratt and J.D. Sumrall, Cameron volunteer firefighters, have even rucked in their full gear.
Veterans and community members alike have enjoyed this tradition and return year after year to make the walk/ ruck to Denio’s Furniture and back. The ruck will begin at the VFW Post 2010 at 9 a.m.
This event is not possible without a growing interest from the Milam County area. Participation by organizations, families, and individuals is encouraged. While the task of walking eight miles may seem daunting, it is a challenge everyone who has embarked on finds ultimately rewarding.
If walking or rucking doesn’t appeal to you, then consider riding. While motorcycles are given priority on the trip from Rockdale to Cameron, vehicles are welcome to follow behind. Many participants decorate their trucks and cars in honor of the fallen.
Also, all motorcycles, regardless of club affiliations, are welcome to join in the ride.
Look for more information on the Milam County Memorial Ruck and Ride Facebook page or reach out to Bobbie Wiesman at designingbobbie@gmail.com.
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