43rd SB FRG 'walks to Afghanistan'

FORT CARSON, Colo.---Friends, Families and family readiness group members for the 43rd Sustainment Brigade met April 17 at Ironhorse Park to participate in a "Walk to Afghanistan and Back."

Afghanistan is approximately 7,370 miles from Colorado Springs. The walk is meant to show support for the Soldiers deployed downrange.

Family members and friends, as well as schools from several states including Carson Middle School, also participated in the 12-mile trek.

Kimiko Alexander, the family readiness support assistant, whose husband, Sgt. Josh Alexander, serves as a mechanic with the 59th Quartermaster Company, read about a similar event in an article she had read, and thought it would be a great idea to show support for not only the deployed 43rd SB Soldiers, but for all Soldiers.

"It's a way to show Families and Soldiers that they are not forgotten, and that we care here at the homefront; we walk or run, whether wet, cold or exhausted," said Jena Mullican, wife of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scot Mullican, a communication technician with the 43rd SB.

The 35 participants April 17 and other participants from various locations combined to complete 638.27 miles. A total is calculated on the first Wednesday of the month.

"We also total amounts whether a person is out cutting the grass, playing sports such as baseball, swimming or even bowling, we have a conversion chart which aides in gathering data to convert into miles," said Kimiko.

The next mile walk is slated for May 15, possibly at Cheyenne State Park. The cost is free and anyone in the Fort Carson community is welcome to join.