Unsung Heroes: Honoring those KIA for Memorial Miles

Memorial Day is when we remember and honor the more than 1.3 million U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the Armed Forces. Observed on the last Monday of May, this year it will be observed on 29 May.

For our first ever Memorial Miles Monthly Mission, we’re honoring those killed during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, by rucking, running, or walking as far as we can in 41 minutes and 2 seconds – one second for each of the 2,462 service members who tragically lost their lives in the War in Afghanistan.

Members of Eagle Nation will do their memorial miles in a single day, any time over Memorial Day weekend (26-30 May).  

This year, Eagles are dedicating their miles to the men and women who served and died (any conflict). As part of their tribute, they will share their stories in the Team RWB Member App and on social media because to Team RWB, they will never be forgotten.

Here are a few of the service members Team RWB staff are dedicating their miles to this year:

Specialist Chris Harris, honored by a Team RWB Staff Member

“I am dedicating my Memorial Miles to Chris Harris. We served in the Army together and at this time he was stationed with the 82nd Airborne while I had been with the 173rd Airborne. While deployed to Afghanistan, he was killed by an IED that had struck his vehicle. This took place just a few days after finding out that he was going to be having a daughter with the woman he had married less than a year prior.

To simply say that he was a caring, driven, or enthusiastic guy would be a gross understatement - he was a burst of energy in any room that left everyone with nothing but a positive, long-lasting impression. He was a good man, a great friend, and would have been a fantastic father.”

Major Brent Taylor, honored by Katie Sanchez, Team RWB Staff Member

“I will be honoring Major Brent Taylor. There is a flag in Utah named ‘The Major.’ It is the largest free-flying flag that is hung each year in Coldwater Canyon in North Ogden around Veterans Day. It honors (Major Taylor) the late mayor of North Ogden who was killed in Afghanistan while serving his country. My family tries to go to the unfurling of the flag every year.”

SGT Lorenzo M. Ruiz, honored by Kris Lord, Team RWB Staff Member

“I’ll be rucking my miles in honor of SGT Lorenzo M. Ruiz, who was killed in Mogadishu. In the many conversations I’ve had with my brother about his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, SGT Ruiz is someone he has often talked about. I want to ruck for him so his sacrifice is remembered, and also to honor how often my brother thinks of him.”

Who are you dedicating your miles to?

Share their stories and photos in the Team RWB Member app and with us on social media. Be sure to tag us and use #TeamRWB so we can see and share them.