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For the past three years, Ramstein service members have packed their rucks, laced up their boots, and gathered in memory of the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force. More than 400 service members participated in the Third Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run June 1 on Ramstein Air Base.
Airey served as a B-24 Liberator aerial gunner during World War II and, in 1944, crashed onto enemy territory, where he became a prisoner of war. During one of the coldest winters in history, Airey and other POWs were forced to march approximately 400 miles across Germany.
By the time the British rescued Airey, he, like many of the others, was stricken with dysentery and weighed a mere 100 pounds. Yet, he recovered and continued to serve with such vigor that in 1967, he became chief master sergeant of the Air Force, where he tackled matters such as welfare and effective utilization and progress of the enlisted members of the Air Force. Airey retired in 1970, but continued shaping the Air Force and engaging with Airmen until he passed away in 2009.
“We thought it was fitting to honor Airey’s legacy and resilience, and what he and his team endured as POWs,” said Robert Lovett, 603rd Air Operations Center facility manager. “We want to let our servicemen know their history and the heritage of the Air Force.”
Lovett had met Airey on several occasions, and said Airey had a love for Airmen, team building, and for pushing Airmen to be the best they can be.
“I think if he could be here he would see the teamwork and the resiliency that the ruck marchers show,” Lovett said. “He’d be proud that someone is remembering Air Force history. The point is honoring, respecting and remembering, because once you know your history, it can propel you in a better direction.”
Lovett also stressed the importance of team building, which many of the service members displayed as they pulled together and pushed for the finish line.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Brennon, 86th Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Raven, and his team took first place in the ruck.
“I couldn’t have done it without any of these guys,” Brennon said, motioning to his teammates. “When I was going down, starting to cramp, they started pushing me and motivating me.”
Brennon recounted that when his team found a fellow Raven behind them, they teamed up and pulled through together.
“This is what the ruck is all about: leadership, pushing through, and being a team player,” Brennon said.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heath Tempel, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 435th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, spoke of Airey’s experiences.
“Keep faith with your teammates,” Tempel said.
Airey and his men also relied on teamwork to survive, Tempel said as he spoke of the testimony an individual gave during the War Crimes Commission.
“Chief Airey’s group of POWs was described as a domain of heroes,” Tempel said. “The stronger helped the weaker. Those fortunate enough to have a coat shared it with others. Sometimes the Germans provided farm wagons for those unable to walk, but with few horses available, the POWs themselves shouldered the burden, pulling the wagons through the snow.”
Ramstein’s dedication to honoring the past and shaping the future continues to be evident through the men and women who give their time and energy to memorial events such as the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run and many others.
Proceeds from the ruck went to the Air Force Enlisted Village, whose core mission is to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Air Force Airmen.
