ROTC students to run in Mountain Man Memorial March

Mackenzie Wallace

Members of the Kent State ROTC program will run at the sixth annual Mountain Man Memorial March this weekend in honor of a Kent State alumna.

1st Lieutenant Ashley White-Stumpf, a Kent State alumna of the ROTC program, was killed in Afghanistan on Oct. 22, 2011. ROTC members will run to honor White-Stumpf and other fallen soldiers of the Iraq and Afghan wars.

Cadet Bradley Perkins, senior educational studies major, said those participating must complete the course wearing a service uniform and boots while carrying a 35-pound rucksack, which is a large backpack with a supporting frame. The team must cross the finish line together.

“This event has become one of the largest events in the United States to celebrate the service and honor these fallen heroes,” Perkins said.

The Mountain Man Memorial March consists of events for both runners and marchers. Kent Sate is taking four cadets to this event. These students are joining five cadets from Youngstown State and two cadets from Mount Union to make teams for the full marathon and half marathon.

The run begins at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Kent’s ROTC will be participating in the WhiteHot 5k April 27 on Kent Campus, which is a race held in honor of White-Stumpf.

Contact Mackenzie Wallace at [email protected].