Honor Through Action
The heroes we marched in honor of at the 19th Mountain Man Memorial March
“Hey, do you want to do this event with us?”
I had been rucking with some tough F3 Knoxville dudes for a year or so when I was asked this question. Naturally, I said yes. So, in April of 2018, I rucked my first marathon. Outside of volunteering at the event in college (Go Vols), this was my first time actually doing the event. It was the toughest physical challenge I had done in my life up to that point, as well as the most rewarding. Thanks to this team of F3 men, we pretty much rocked it.
Eight years later and the Mountain Man Memorial March is THE premier rucking event in my life. It has become an incredible tradition that me, alongside F3 brothers, family members, and friends look forward to every year.
With the birth of our daughter this year, Megan and I had an opportunity to introduce her to the MMMM, and we look forward to teaching her why this event is so important to our family for years to come.
Out of all the fantastic things that every MMMM weekend in April brings, the best one is that it’s not about us. All of the runners, ruckers, and volunteers that show up every year show up for one reason: Honor Through Action.
The quote from Ernest Hemingway captures the essence of why this event has mattered to thousands of people across the U.S. for almost two decades.
Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal.
Allow me to introduce the heroes that me and the team rucked in honor of at the 19th annual Mountain Man Memorial March.
Cpl Charles J. Wren, U.S. Army
Cpl Charles J. “Chaz” Wren tragically died on April 16th, 2011 in Afghanistan serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Cpl Wren died of wounds after insurgents attacked his unit with an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). During his military career, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Tina Christensen, a cousin of Cpl Wren, shared that “Joining the Army was something that Chaz probably felt like he was called to do” in remarks after his death. Cpl Wren is survived by his wife and two brothers. 1
C2C Jesse M. Fimian, USAFA
Twenty-five year old Jesse Fimian tragically died on April 30th, 2023, while attending the United States Air Force Academy. In high school, he enlisted in the Air National Guard in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he began his Air Force career as a munitions maintainer on the F-15 fighter jet.
According to USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark: “Jesse will be remembered for his contributions in Cadet Squadron 27 and his passion for space operations.”
Although he was born in Logan, Utah, he spent most of his life in Brookfield, Massachusetts. He was well-traveled and made connections with people easily throughout his life. Jesse leaves behind his mother, two sisters, and comrades at the USAFA. He was looked up to by many because of his drive and inspiring example. 2
Big thank you to Steel Hearts, a fantastic organization that exists to honor and remember fallen service members that were killed in action, and to raise money and awareness for charities and veterans' organizations through the sale of unique and innovative memorials. Before the race started my family and I had an opportunity to meet the Steel Hearts team, where I was connected with C2C Jesse M. Fimian. Learn more about the important work Steel Hearts is doing at steel-hearts.org.
Maj Trevor Joseph, U.S. Army
Major Trevor Joseph, of Collierville, TN, tragically died during a night training rescue mission.
Major Joseph was deployed twice to Afghanistan. During his second deployment, he and three crew members were honored with the prestigious Air Medal with Valor in combat for their exceptional bravery and courage. This remarkable mission was recognized as the “Rescue of the Year” by the DUSTOFF Association.
Major Joseph’s distinguished career is marked by numerous awards and decorations, including the Air Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutists Badge, and the Senior Aviation Badge.
Major Joseph was the Commander of “Cajun Dustoff” MEDEVAC unit in Fort Polk, LA at the time of his death. He was an exceptional leader and courageous aviator who was always proud to go above and beyond for his soldiers and never hesitated at any mission, no matter the risk.3
Trevor, a 2008 graduate of the University of Tennessee, is survived by his loving wife, Erin, and his devoted family.
Before the 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and full-marathon events kick off roughly around 8am, participants, volunteers, and spectators form up next to the starting line — which is at Pi Beta Phi Elementary School. As my family and team and I were waiting, we started talking with a lovely couple next to us. What we didn’t realize at first, is that we had the honor and privilege of speaking with Major Trevor Joseph’s parents.
This. This is the most important part of every single Mountain Man Memorial March weekend: having the opportunity to meet Gold Star families and learn about them, the loved one they lost, and ruck in honor and remembrance of them.
Meeting Peter and Nancy Joseph, hearing about their son, Trevor, and having an opportunity to go to the Lord in prayer with them is something I will never forget about MM26.
This makes every single step of every single mile worth it.
As a civilian and someone who does not have any direct family ties to Gold Star families — I will never be able to fully understand the loss and sacrifice these families make. What I can do, however, is refuse to allow these fallen warriors to meet their “second death” as Hemingway puts it: “…the last time someone says their name.”
That is why every single year that the good Lord allows me, I will show up for the Mountain Man Memorial March weekend, put on a heavy pack, and endure a long walk with family, friends, and Gold Star families from around the country to do one thing: Honor Through Action.