Ruck for the Fallen supports troops abroad

PALOUSE - The Ruck for the hosted several events in December to raise awareness for the Ruck for the Fallen cause.

A "Christmas Packages for Our Deployed Heroes" event was held on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Palouse Community Center.

The Ruck family packing party were able to fill 42 boxes by the end of the afternoon to mail to US troops serving at a bases in Iraq, Germany, or Syria, who were spending the holiday season far from home.

A Facebook request was made for donations bringing in community support which allowed the volunteers to fill boxes with items ranging from hot sauce to protein bars. At the final station, Christmas cards, several homemade, were placed in each box before it was addressed to a specific troop to ship to.

On Dec. 17, the Ruck for the fallen group hosted the event "Christmas Miracle for Heroes Program," a raffle that included over $3,000 in prizes donated by Pullman Building Supply, Garfield Meats, Kasey Vitto Fitness, Ace Hardware in Colfax, and the Happy Hog Meatery.

Garfield native, Master Sergeant Mitch Kriebel started the Ruck for the Fallen program, and continues to lead its mission to support first responders and active and retired military members.

Ruck's motto is "Deeds, not words," and the "Packing Party" and raffle are the latest of a series of local events coordinated by Kriebel's mother Marletta Sisak.

To get more information about the program, those interested can visit the "Ruck for the Fallen," Facebook group.