NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- Security forces unit rucks for kids
Security forces service members, their families and unit retirees recently rucked along the Trinity River in Fort Worth toward Cook Children’s Medical Center with packs full of toys for sick children.
The Ruck for Kids, led by the 301st Security Forces Squadron from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas was fueled by a desire to bring joy into children’s lives.
“To me being a part of it is a way of saying thank you to the public who have stood behind our military solidly during the past 15 years of war,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael McDade, a 301st SFS member and one of the original group who started the ruck. “I hope the message is for families to know military personnel fully understand not being able to be home with loved ones during the holidays, and to know they have our full support.”
The idea for the event was born several years ago by 610th Security Forces Squadron members.
Chief Master Sgt. (Ret) Terry Ferguson, who served as the security forces manager at the now deactivated 610 SFS, explains why Ruck for Kids came about.
“Five years ago, several of my AGRs [Active, Guard, Reserve) wanted to do something different and came up with the idea to collect toys themselves and deliver where needed,” he said. “One of the AGRs came up with the concept to ruck the toys to wherever they needed to go, thus Ruck for Kids became the slogan.”
When the unit was deactivated and some members joined the 301 SFS, Ruck for Kids continued with a mixture of retirees from the prior unit, current members and their families.
“I have been the Squadron Commander for over three years and it amazes me how much my Airmen give and volunteer,” said Maj. Rafael Perea, 301st SFS commander. “…It's so gratifying; giving back some of what the community gives us. Even though it's physically challenging to some, it is enjoyable because we see the end result, making children happy!”
“The impact it has on our campus has been a positive one, our atmosphere is one of joy,” Tremain said.
The ruck has received a lot of community support. The Fort Worth Police Department provided support during the ruck and members from the Army National Guard and the Billie Renfroe Chapter of the Air Force Security Forces Association participated.
Various schools and individuals have contributed to the effort, but O.A. Peterson Elementary school has been a large contributor of donations since the second year of the event. The school’s Principal, Jofee’ Tremain, shares the impact the ruck has had on the children first hand.
“The impact it has on our campus has been a positive one, our atmosphere is one of joy,” Tremain said. “I love the fact that our students do not ask for a prize in return when we are giving to others, they know the power of seeing others prosper because of their willingness to stop in the moment and think about the needs of others around them.”
The hours of effort to collect toys, fill bags, and march them to the hospital are small in comparison to the daily impact it has on the kids who receive the gifts.
“Christmas Ruck for Kids, benefitting the patients at Cook Children’s, is a yearly venture that encompasses the true spirit of Christmas,” said Audra Trussell, Cook Children’s Child Life Department Program Coordinator, who facilitates the collection of toys for the hospital. “This group’s generosity and dedication to gathering and delivering toys, helps make our mission of providing a Santa bag of toys to every patient, possible. As well, these toys are used throughout the year to provide needed distraction, celebrations and toys for our playrooms. We could not accomplish our goals without the help of Christmas Ruck for kids and greatly appreciate each and every donation.”