Members of the 914th Airlift Wing Participate in K.I.A. Memorial Road March

Strategic Insights -

Members of the 914th Airlift Wing in Orchard Park, N.Y. recently participated in the K.I.A. Memorial Road March, a 10K route that honors service members killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event, which took place on August 22, was organized by U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jason Jaskula to commemorate the life of his Battle Buddy, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Christopher Dill, who was killed in action on April 4, 2005. The march aimed to raise funds and collect canned goods for local veteran organizations, with proceeds going to support the Buffalo Veterans Court and the local chapter of the Gold Star Mothers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The K.I.A. Memorial Road March is a 10K route that honors service members killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • The event was organized by U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Jason Jaskula to commemorate the life of his Battle Buddy, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Christopher Dill.
  • The march was participated in by members of the 914th Airlift Wing, as well as current and retired military personnel, first responders, and civilians.
  • The primary goal of the march is to honor New York State service members K.I.A. in Iraq and Afghanistan, during OEF/OIF/OND.
  • The secondary goal of the march is to help local veterans in need, with funds raised supporting the Buffalo Veterans Court and the local chapter of the Gold Star Mothers.
  • The canned goods and non-perishable food collected during the march were donated to the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 77 and Miligan's Pantry at Buffalo State College.
  • According to the KIA Memorial Road March website, the event has been growing since its inception in 2012 under the leadership of Jaskula.
  • U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Nikki Slaughter, a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and participant in the march, stated that she wanted to be a part of something that helps Western New York veterans.

Statistics:

  • 10K route lined with signs bearing the names of 200+ New York State service members killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan (KIA Memorial Road March website).
  • Over $10,000 raised by the march to support the Buffalo Veterans Court and the local chapter of the Gold Star Mothers in the past three years (KIA Memorial Road March website).
  • 5,000 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food collected during the march to support local veterans in need (KIA Memorial Road March website).

Sources:

  • K.I.A. Memorial Road March website
  • U.S. Air Force Reserve Command press release (no date provided)