Deployed Massachusetts Soldiers To “Tough Ruck” In Memory of Fallen Police Officer and Afghanistan Veteran Michael Chesna
KUWAIT – Deployed Massachusetts Soldiers are preparing to honor Fallen Weymouth Police Officer Michael Chesna with a “Tough Ruck Memorial March” in Kuwait on Friday. They will march in full military gear, including their ruck sacks, in memory of Officer Chesna who served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Each Tough Rucker will also carry the slain officer’s name on their ruck.
“Tributes like the Tough Ruck March are a testament to Officer Chesna’s legacy of service. During this time of great sorrow for our community, it is heartwarming to know Officer Chesna is being remembered across the globe and especially by those still serving in harms way,” said Weymouth Mayor Robert Hedlund.
Tough Ruck, a project of Military Friends Foundation 501c3, is a group of military personnel, first-responders and civilians dedicated to keeping the memories of our Fallen Service Members and First Responders alive and supporting military families. The Tough Ruck Marathon to honor Fallen Heroes takes place annually on Patriots Day weekend in Concord, in conjunction with Boston Athletic Association.
The predicted 115-degree Kuwait temperatures will not stop the Tough Ruckers from completing their mission. Many of the Soldier rucking are also police officers from Massachusetts.
“We Tough Ruck to let Officer Chesna’s loved ones know their Hero is still being carried with us. We will continue to say his name and remember the tremendous contributions he made to our Nation.” said Major Rafeal Cruz of the 151 Regional Support Group, a Massachusetts National Guard Unit deployed Kuwait since March. MAJ Cruz is also a member of the Wilmington Police Department.
The Tough Ruck Memorial March for Officer Chesna is proudly supported by the Mayor Hedlund and the Town of Weymouth. The Weymouth Police Department have announced the official fund to support the Chesna family and anyone who wishes to donate can make checks payable to the OFFICER MICHAEL CHESNA FAMILY FUND and mail or drop-off donations at the Weymouth Police Station, 140 Winter Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188.
