Purple Heart Day 5K Ruck March 2023

This Purple Heart Day 5K Ruck March (observed Saturday, 5 August, (actually Monday, 7 August 2023) is to honor all Purple Heart Medal recipients, their fellow service members, families, & friends. Please show your support by sending an RSVP to me via email at Ryan.Hines.1@us.af.mil for the event so I can ensure the dissemination of all pertinent information, etc. However, the second option is participating in this 5K Ruck March virtually at a location that best suits you, & at your convenience. Please see the attached flyer with a QR code to sign-up or visit the below link. In addition, please see the below Purple Heart Day 5K FB link to join the live feed during the event here at Ramstein Air Base on Saturday, 5 August 2023, from 1000-1100 local. Thank you all for your time & support.

Who?:  The Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) & World-Wide

What?:  As a Purple Heart Medal recipient, I’m hosting this event in an effort to raise awareness of Purple Heart Day, the history of the Purple Heart Medal, & to honor all Purple Heart Medal recipients. 

When?:  (Observed) Saturday, 5 August @ 1000. (Actually) Monday, 7 August.

Where?:  South Side Fitness Center, Bldg. 2117

Why?:  To bring awareness to the Purple Heart Medal, the many struggles that they go through upon returning to duty, etc. & to honor all recipients.

Note: Uniform of the Day (UOD) will be civilian Physical Training Gear (PTG) & any backpack/rucksack. You may pack your backpack/rucksack with anything that you wish.  

Note 2: The virtual option for this event via the QR code or Runsignup.com link may be performed at the leisure of the participant via rucking/walking at a site of their choice, treadmill, Stairmaster, etc., (stationary or on road).

A brief history of the Purple Heart:

On 7 August 1782, in Newburgh, New York, General George Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army, creates the "Badge of Merit," a decoration consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silver, with the word "Merit" stitched across the face in silver. The badge was to be presented to soldiers for "any singularly meritorious action" & permitted its wearer to pass guards & sentinels without challenge. The honoree's name & regiment were also to be inscribed in a "Book of Merit."

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, the oldest American military decoration for military merit, is awarded to members of the armed forces (all 6 branches) of the U.S. who have been killed or wounded in action by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy & posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration. It is also awarded to members who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war.

MSgt Ryan Hines Purple Heart Medal Video & Event Links:

TSgt Ryan Hines Purple Heart Medal Video (2017) - Spangdahlem Air Base Facebook Page Link:  https://www.facebook.com/SpangdahlemAirBase/videos/10155597232563537/ 

MSgt Hines Purple Heart Medal Video (2021) - Osan Air Base Facebook Page Link:  https://www.facebook.com/afnhumphreys/videos/558921641787340 

Purple Heart Day 5K FB Live Virtual Ruck March 2023 Link:  https://fb.me/e/15NNhtyB1