First Responders Lace Up To Support Heroes In Transition

CHATHAM – Having suffered the scars of battlefield deployment, members of the military often face a host of new challenges when they transition back to civilian life. 

To express their solidarity and to raise money for worthwhile programs, Chatham first responders are strapping on heavy rucksacks and training for a grueling fundraiser to support the Mashpee-based group Heroes In Transition.

 The 10th annual Ruck4HIT event takes place April 25 and 26, and representatives from Coast Guard Station Chatham and the Chatham fire, police and harbormaster’s departments are taking part. Coast Guard Petty Officer Robert Fluke, who’s organizing the effort, said last year was the first year Chatham was represented in the 36-hour relay race, which spans all towns on the Cape with a course that’s over 200 miles long. Participants carry a rucksack holding 10 or 20 pounds of weight, symbolizing the burden that servicemembers carry.

 “It was even more challenging than expected, all the runners were facing extreme fatigue by the second night as well as multiple injuries the team suffered,” he said. “After running, you must sit in the vehicle which is tightly packed with several other runners and drivers, which made resting a struggle.”

 Fluke said Ruck4HIT is a natural fit for emergency responders like the Chatham team.

 “Helping others is why first responders do what they do, and everyone on our team enjoys giving back to those who have given so much,” he said. “The Ruck4HIT organization provides the perfect platform to show our support and contribute to those transitioning out of the military.”

 As of earlier this week, the Chatham first responders’ team had raised about $5,200 toward its $8,000 goal. Fluke has his own target of raising $2,000 and was just over halfway there.

 Proceeds from the event support Heroes In Transition, which provides direct support to veterans and their families, as well as a host of wellness and mental health programs, including support groups for couples and military spouses. The organization was founded in 2009 in memory of Capt. Eric A. Jones, a Marine helicopter pilot, who lost his life while supporting a combat mission in Afghanistan. 

 “He flew helicopters to be close to the troops on the ground and be there to help them when they needed it most,” said Cyndy Jones, Eric’s mother and one of the founders of Heroes in Transition. The organization carries on Capt. Jones’ mission by providing assistance to those who have served or who are serving the country, especially in the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom conflicts.

For the Chatham first responders, it’s another opportunity to work closely together for a worthy cause, bringing together police, fire, harbormaster’s staff and Coasties, Fluke said.

 “We are very close to our core partners and have looked forward to continuing the tradition of working together even when off duty,” he said. “Although we wear different uniforms, we have the same goal of helping those in need.”

To support the Chatham first responders’ team, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/169662/Donate/lJ8mdkgo1dslvXp0. To support Fluke’s fundraiser, visit runsignup.com/Race/169662/Donate/g3MXiiPs7JJ4wrSX.