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By Terri Hendry
(Las Vegas to Fernley, NV) – In Nevada, Operation Battleborn: Ruck to Remember is a new and uniquely different way to honor and remember the military men and women who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice since September 11th. The Nevada ruck march combines the challenges of a grueling marathon with the comrade and teamwork necessary to complete any endeavor by a large group.

There have been ruck marches held in other parts of the country, but Operation Battleborn is the first ruck march in the Silver State. The Nevada march started May 20th at the Nevada State Veterans Memorial in Las Vegas. Over the course of eight days, volunteers and veterans took turns marching northward, carrying two ruck sacks filled with nearly 7,000 service member dog tags. The tags included 57 of Nevada’s fallen. All 7,000 died in combat in the post 9-11, Global War on Terrorism.

By May 28th, the group had traveled 370 miles to the north, ending their march in Fernley at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The two ruck sacks containing the 7,000 dog tags were laid in front of a ceremonial wreath. The 57 Nevada dog tags were presented to Brigadier General William Burks with the Nevada National Guard. He was one of the keynote speakers for the event, presenting on behalf of Governor Brian Sandoval.

The march was held in partnership between veterans groups at UNLV, UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College. Supporters hope to make this event an annual one in Nevada.