Posted: 3/31/2025 7:01:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: kotengu1][Edited]
The best place to learn all the details about this year's match is on the Facebook Event Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/635714022439018 but I totally get that we have several people who (rightly) hate Facebook, so I'll repost what I think are the important points here for non-FBers. Don't be shy if you have questions or if I've left anything out. Intro: The 2025 Legion Memorial Run N Gun is a centerfire biathlon – competitors will complete a 5k-ish or 10k-ish wilderness trail run combined with a shooting competition. The event is a test of man and equipment alike. It is intended to give participants an idea of how being hot, cold, exhausted, and challenged by the environment affects their shooting, and to test the effectiveness of their gear under field conditions. This event is not intended for inexperienced shooters – all participants are expected to be familiar with the operation of their firearms, and to observe basic principles of firearm safety at all times. With the exception of emergencies, Range Officers (ROs) are not allowed to help participants in any way. Good attitudes are a must. If you are the type of person who gets upset when minor changes are made to a plan or when you don’t always get your way, this is not the event for you. Basics: Participants will receive both a score for their run based on how long it took them to complete the course, and a score for their shooting based on how long it took them to clear each course of fire. The run score and shooting score will be equally weighted in determining the participant’s final score. This is true run-what-you-brung field-style shooting. For the most part, if you want to carry it for 5 or 10 clicks, be our guest. There are two equipment classes to reflect the different ways Green Berets fight: “Lightfighter” in which you can carry whatever you want, but are limited to one pistol and one rifle; or “Operator” in which you must FINISH the race with a pack weighing at least 45 lbs (not including your main rifle, pistol, and belt/chest rig) – but that pack may (and should) contain ANYTHING that can give you an advantage. The only limit is that pistol targets must be engaged with pistol rounds, and rifle targets must be engaged with rifle rounds. Want to carry a PCC? Be our guest. Think a scoped bolt gun or different upper in 6.5 Creedmore will give you an advantage? Go for it. You can even carry a shotgun to engage steel pistol targets if you want (birdshot only). Any weapons carried must be IN ADDITION to a primary rifle and pistol, and weight of the pack MAY include the weight of armor plates if you want to either wear or carry them in the pack. Packs may be removed prior to shooting, as that is how 5th Group would generally do it as well – but this will be done on your run time and BEFORE any wait time starts. Shooters are expected to have all their firearms sighted in and all their gear ready to go on the morning of the shoot. There will be no zeroing at the event. Think of this as a test of how you and your equipment would perform in a Second Amendment situation if you had to go take care of business at your current state of readiness, whatever that is. Run order will be more or less random. We will try to be accommodating to participants who wish to share firearms or equipment (we can have one person run in the morning and the other in the afternoon), or to partners who wish to run together. Due to issues with back-ups and large groups in the past, only two runners can start together. Equipment: The only equipment that is strictly required to participate is a safe center fire rifle, a safe center fire pistol, enough ammo to clear the course (at least twice the minimum required hit count is recommended), eye protection, ear protection, and some form of stopwatch. Rifle targets must be engaged with rifle rounds (no larger than 30-06), and pistol targets must be engaged with pistol rounds. In everything but the “Operator” class, competitors must carry one rifle and one pistol. Everything else is up to the participant. Shooters may use any type of gear they want to carry their equipment with, the only requirement being that pistols must be carried in a secure holster that covers the trigger if they are to be carried loaded. Rifles may be carried any way you like, as long as they remain pointed in a safe direction. You may not use tracers or armor piercing bullets that have a hardened penetrator core, as we will be using lots of steel targets that we don’t want to see damaged. To be safe – if your bullet attracts a magnet or has a green tip, leave it at home. Rules: First and foremost, all participants will be expected to comply with basic firearms safety at all times. If you demonstrate inability or unwillingness to follow basic firearm safety, you will be asked to leave, with no refund and no apology. Muzzles must be pointed in a safe direction at all times, and fingers must be off the trigger unless the firearm is pointed at a target. Weapons shall only be loaded when a shooter is at a stage, after the RO has given the "load and make ready" or “fire” command, depending on the stage. Some stages will be active, involving moving and shooting. Firearms may remain loaded during movement, but strict muzzle discipline must be maintained. Shooters will be disqualified (DQ’d) and not allowed to finish the course for the following violations: having a loaded rifle anywhere EXCEPT on a shooting stage after the “beep”, dropping a loaded weapon anywhere on the course, pointing a loaded weapon at someone, or having a Negligent Discharge (ND). It is solely the judgement of my Staff that I trust if these should occur, and if you argue with an RO you will lose. Procedures: When a shooter approaches a station, he will be required to show the RO an empty mag well and empty chamber on his weapons. If another shooter is currently on the stage when he arrives, the one who just arrived will be instructed by the RO to start his stopwatch to keep track of his wait time (this will be subtracted off the participant’s run time when his run score is calculated). It is purely the shooter’s responsibility to keep track of his wait time. The ROs have no responsibility whatsoever to help you do this. Even if an RO offers to help you keep track of your time, you have no one but yourself to blame if this is not done. When the shooter is ready to shoot the stage, the RO will record his wait time if any. The shooter will be given a quick summary of the course of fire. The RO will ask if the shooter understands the course of fire. If the answer is yes, the shooter may be given time to load one or more weapons, and then the beep of a shot timer will start the firing portion of the shooting stage. All stages will have a zone where the shooter must fire from -- either a particular hole in a barricade that you must shoot through, or a marked zone on the ground, in which every part of your body or equipment which touches the ground must remain inside of when you fire. Hits made from outside the designated area will not count toward completion of the course of fire. Every shooting stage will have a 3 minute time limit. This is to keep the runners moving and to prevent large backups of shooters waiting to shoot a stage. At the end of that 3 minute period, the shooter will be stopped and time penalties applied to their score for any target not fully neutralized as per the course of fire requirements. If for any reason the “cease fire” command is given, you will immediately cease fire, holster your handgun, and unload your rifle. You will do likewise when you complete a stage or time out. The RO should tell you your time for the stage. The RO will record your time on their iPad. You may want to carry a pen and notepad to keep track of your score in there is a mix-up with the scoring. Every shooter must show the RO an empty mag well and chamber on all weapons before leaving each stage. The RO will give directions on where to go to continue down the trail. Shooters are NOT required to leave their rifle’s bolt open during the run… this is actually discouraged, as it will allow lots of that beautiful Tennessee red clay to accumulate inside the action. There will be ample opportunity for this to happen on the course. The Run: The path for participants to follow will be marked with brightly colored flags and/or tape. Shooters must stay close to the marked path. Do not cut corners. Failure to follow the marked trail may take you into the impact area of a hot range!!! If the trail takes you through some difficult terrain, this is on purpose! Your Fitness: This event is in a remote area, and you need to be aware of over-exertion. We should have some folks with medical skills on hand, but your health is your responsibility. If you start having problems, slow down... drink some water... listen to your body! There is no shame in walking the course; know yourself and your limitations. Accommodations: Cedar Creek Precision is in a remote area outside of Hopkinsville, KY. Primitive camping onsite is available for $10/night. Full lodging and restaurants are available in Hopkinsville itself. There will be people on site all day Friday, as the ROs will be running the course. Registration for the day matches open at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m on the morning of the match. The safety briefing begins at 7:30 a.m. Anyone who does not get signed in by 7:30 will not be allowed to participate, so be on time. The first runner will be sent out at 8:00 a.m., and another runner will be sent out in a uniform interval thereafter. The ROs will have run the course the day before. They will be scored along with all the other contestants. After the last runner has crossed the finish line, we will calculate the results. The winners will be announced, and trophies and prizes will be awarded as 5th Group sees fit. How to Sign Up: The registration fee for the Legion Memorial Run N Gun is $175 for the 5k (Saturday) or $225 for the 10k (Sunday) - which includes a match t-shirt. Registration will be limited in number so all runners can finish the course before dark. Registration will be handled through Practiscore, and we will collect full payment online at the time of registration. Make sure you are familiar with all of our rules and procedures before signing up. All participants must register under their true names. Tickets are non-transferable. Pre-registration is mandatory, and no walk-ons will be allowed on match day as space and time is limited. Pre-registration will open 90 days prior to match day. Full refunds will be given (minus the 3% credit card processing fee we don't want SFA to eat) from now until 30 days before match day upon cancellation/withdrawal. Between 30 days and 14 days prior to match day, a 50% refund will be given. From 14 days prior to match day, NO REFUND will be given if you withdraw from the match. Be sure you can come before you sign up. Lastly - there is one "discount" check boxes at the bottom of the registration form, just before you enter your credit card number. This is for active or retired 5th Group personnel, who get in for 1/2 price. IF YOU ARE NOT THIS AND YOU TAKE A DISCOUNT WITHOUT HAVING EARNED IT, I WILL DELETE YOUR ENTRY AND KEEP YOUR MONEY FOR SFA. "Honor" is a word that has a strong meaning at this match and with these folks, and we take it seriously here. Do not select either of these discount boxes unless you are 5SFG. All proceeds from the match will go the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38. Learn more about them here: http://sfa38.org/ Directions: More details coming soon. Cedar Creek Precision is located at 14270 Melvin West Rd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. Pictures by Lisa Stennett |
One stage this year will memorialize Medal Of Honor recipient 1LT Loren Douglas Hagen:  “1st Lt. Hagen distinguished himself in action while serving as the team leader of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy-held territory. At approximately 0600 hours on the morning of 7 August 1971 the small team came under a fierce assault by a superior-sized enemy force using heavy small-arms, automatic-weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. 1st Lt. Hagen immediately began returning small-arms fire upon the attackers and successfully led his team in repelling the first enemy onslaught. He then quickly deployed his men into more strategic defense locations before the enemy struck again in an attempt to overrun and annihilate the beleaguered team's members. 1st Lt. Hagen repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire directed at him as he constantly moved about the team's perimeter, directing fire, rallying the members, and resupplying the team with ammunition, while courageously returning small-arms and hand-grenade fire in a valorous attempt to repel the advancing enemy force. The courageous actions and expert leadership abilities of 1st Lt. Hagen were a great source of inspiration and instilled confidence in the team members. After observing an enemy rocket make a direct hit on and destroy one of the team's bunkers, 1st Lt. Hagen moved toward the wrecked bunker in search for team members despite the fact that the enemy force now controlled the bunker area. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he crawled through the enemy fire while returning small-arms fire upon the enemy force. Undaunted by the enemy rockets and grenades impacting all around him, 1st Lt. Hagen desperately advanced upon the destroyed bunker until he was fatally wounded by enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, 1st Lt. Hagen's courageous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the U.S. Army.” |
One stage this year will honor CW2 Stanley L. Harriman: Born in Springfield, Missouri, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stanley L. Harriman was killed on 2 March 2002 by friendly fire from an AC-130 aircraft during Operation ANACONDA in Afghanistan. Harriman enlisted in the Army as a Combat Engineer in 1986 and served with 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed to Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM in Iraq, and Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti. In 1991, Harriman attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and joined 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg. In 1998, he attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course and returned to 3rd Special Forces Group. He was an assistant team leader with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM at the time of his death. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Harriman was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Operation Anaconda's first U.S. casualty was remembered as a loyal American and a loving family man. He was killed by friendly fire in a ground attack. Stan was a career military man. He enlisted at the age of 18 and was stationed for 13 years at Fort Bragg. Stan and his wife had two children. Sheila Harriman said her husband went to Nigeria on a training mission shortly after Sept. 11 but returned to surprise her in December. The couple spent almost a week together, even though Stanley was suffering from malaria. Despite running a high fever, he returned to duty and was sent to Kuwait. He had been in Afghanistan for only a few weeks when he was killed. His truck got hit in the front left side and he was the passenger in the front seat. The next hit came directly below Stan in his truck, and the shrapnel came up through the vehicle. A funeral service was held at Arran Lakes Baptist Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina. |
|
Registration will open at 6pm Central Time on June 1st, 2025. This gives you 90 days after knowing you're in to make travel plans and start a dedicated training program (I highly recommend both). If history is a guide, this will sell out in less than a minute - so be sitting online somewhere with payment info ready (payment is required when you register) right at 6pm Sunday night. Getting in is the first test you have to pass, but like in the match - not quitting is the most important quality you can have. Get on the waitlist if you don't get in. We hold several slots for 5th Group and will give any unused slots out to civilians two weeks before match day. Full refunds will be given (minus the 3% credit card processing fee we don't want SFA to eat) from now until 30 days before match day upon cancellation/withdrawal. Between 30 days and 14 days prior to match day, a 50% refund will be given. From 14 days prior to match day, NO REFUND will be given if you withdraw from the match. Be sure you can come before you sign up. 6k Registration link: https://practiscore.com/6k-legion-memorial-run-n-gun-2025/register 10k Registration link: https://practiscore.com/10k-legion-memorial-run-n-gun-2025/register |
One stage this year will honor MOH Recipient Brian Leroy Buker: Brian L. Buker was born on November 3, 1949, in Benton, Maine. After graduating from Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Maine, Buker chose to follow in the footsteps of his three older brothers who had served in Vietnam. Buker enlisted after his 17th birthday and was selected for Army Special Forces training. After completing a rigorous selection process, he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and deployed to Vietnam. After being promoted to Sergeant, Buker volunteered for a second tour within the 5th Special Forces Group, He was assigned to Detachment B-55 of the 5th Mobile Strike Force Command, known as the MIKE Force. As a member of the MIKE Force, his primary mission was to operate as a platoon advisor for the 513th Company, made up of trained Vietnamese civilians. On 5 April 1970, Detachment B-55 was tasked with clearing a series of Viet Cong held bunkers on a mountain called Núi Két, in modern day An Giang Province, bordering Cambodia. Well-shielded from air attacks and mortar barrages, the Viet Cong stronghold had to be taken by force. Buker was acting as a platoon advisor for the Vietnamese mobile strike force company when his platoon came under intense fire. Taking the initiative, he counterattacked and successfully resupplied his comrades. Buker then led his men for the final assault against the mountain fortress. Caught between the heavy crossfire of two enemy bunkers, and realizing that retreat would result in heavy casualties, Buker fearlessly stormed the first enemy bunker, destroying it with four hand grenades. Rushing back to reorganize his men for an attack on the second bunker, he was severely wounded. Deciding to push on, Buker refused medical attention and crawled toward the second enemy bunker. Tossing a grenade, he eliminated the enemy and saved countless lives. Not long later, however, his wounds proved fatal. The remaining enemy forces were driven out that evening, and Núi Két was secured. For his actions on April 5, 1970, Sgt. Buker was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart. During his time in service, he was also awarded two Bronze Stars, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 2010, Buker’s family donated his Medal of Honor to Lawrence High School, in Benton, Maine, where it is on display in the school’s library. His family donated his medal “so future generations will know who he was and what he did for his county, lest they forget.” 5 April 70 – Citation to Accompany the Award of the Medal of Honor: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Buker, Detachment B-55, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon adviser of a Vietnamese mobile strike force company during an offensive mission. Sgt. Buker personally led the platoon, cleared a strategically located well-guarded pass, and established the first foothold at the top of what had been an impenetrable mountain fortress. When the platoon came under intense fire from a determined enemy located in two heavily fortified bunkers, and realizing that withdrawal would result in heavy casualties, Sgt. Buker unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, charged through the hail of enemy fire and destroyed the first bunker with hand grenades. While reorganizing his men for the attack on the second bunker, Sgt. Buker was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds and the deadly fire, he crawled forward and destroyed the second bunker. Sgt. Buker refused medical attention and was reorganizing his men to continue the attack when he was mortally wounded. As a direct result of his heroic actions, many casualties were averted, and the assault of the enemy position was successful. Sgt. Buker's extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.” |
|
I am pleased and not at all surprised to announce Alan's Arsenal LLC is returning for their ninth year in a row as our Title Sponsor. Pete Jones is not only an amazingly generous individual who supports 5th Group and the Special Forces Association heavily, but fought with and knew several of our honorees personally. If you are lucky, he'll share some details about some of these guys with you when you get to know him a little. The personal stories make it even more real and impactful. If you need any AR parts or accessories, be sure to check here first: https://alansarsenal.3dcartstores.com/ |
One stage this year will honor MAJ Paul R. Syverson III, who was killed June 16, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad, Iraq. FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — When CIA agent Johnny “Mike” Spann was killed in an Afghanistan prison uprising, Maj. Paul R. Syverson III was one of the Special Forces commandos sent in to retrieve his body and curtail the intense fighting. It was Syverson’s death that family members and comrades mourned Tuesday during a memorial service. The decorated officer was killed two weeks into his third tour of duty in Iraq — a tour he volunteered to do despite having a newborn daughter. Syverson, 32, of Lake Zurich, Ill., was killed June 16 while standing outside the PX at a U.S. base north of Baghdad where he stopped to buy equipment for fellow soldiers from the 5th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Campbell, Ky. Insurgents killed him and another soldier in what was described as either a mortar or rocket attack at Camp Anaconda, in Balad, Iraq. “It is a great loss to our organization that someone the quality of Maj. Syverson is gone,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Haas, outside the memorial chapel following the service. “We will take care of his family.” He is survived by his wife, Jackie, his son, Paul, 7, and daughter Amy, 2 months. During the ceremony, Maj. Scott Brower recalled Syverson being among the “legendary” 5th Group soldiers who responded during the November 2001 prison uprising at the fortress of Qala-i-Janghi in Mazer-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. Spann was the first American killed in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. John Walker Lindh, the American serving a 20-year sentence for helping the Taliban, was first discovered in the prison. “They did regain control of that fortress, receive Mike Spann’s body to be brought home to his family, as well as capture Johnny Walker Lindh in one of the fiercest battles in our past,” Brower said. Syverson, however, was one of five soldiers injured in the uprising by a misguided U.S. bomb. He had severe back injuries and earned a Purple Heart for his wounds. He also received a Bronze Star for his actions in Afghanistan. Despite ongoing pain, he did not complain. He was known for his leadership skills and was well-liked. When he was a company commander, “his soldiers would stop what they were doing just to speak with him or be near him if only for a few moments,” Haas said. Syverson was scheduled to return home from Iraq a week after his death to attend school at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He volunteered to go to Iraq a third time to set up for other soldiers to soon follow. “He chose to volunteer one more time to help out this organization and not ask another soldier to go in his place,” Haas said. “That really sums up what a fantastic, outstanding soldier and officer he was.” Mourners at the memorial service dabbed their eyes with tissue as the song “Amazing Grace” was played on bagpipes. During a customary roll call, Maj. Syverson’s name was called out three times to silence. Syverson is the 62nd soldier from Fort Campbell to die in the Iraq war. Three others were from the 5th Group. The rest were from the 101st Airborne Division. Two additional Bronze Stars and another Purple Heart are to be issued to Syverson posthumously. “Paul Syverson was a patriot who loved his family and his country,” Brower said. “Paul Syverson was our friend. Paul Syverson was an American hero,” Brower said. — Associated Press |
|
I am happy to share that Spike's Tactical is returning yet again as a Title Sponsor this year. They always have the coolest custom engraved rifles on our prize table! If you got one at a previous, please share a pic here so everyone can see them. And if you're in the market for a rifle, be sure to check Spike's Tactical first: https://www.spikestactical.com/  |
One stage this year will honor MSG Kevin N. Morehead, who was killed September 12, 2003 in Ramadi, Iraq during a raid on enemy forces.  Associated Press BENTON, Ark. — A Special Forces soldier who grew up in Little Rock and rounded up terror suspects in Afghanistan — earning a handshake from President Bush — has died in Iraq, his family said Sept. 12. Master Sgt. Kevin Morehead, 33, died late Thursday or early Friday morning, his father, Jim Morehead said. The soldier was stationed in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and was considered to be on the front line in the war against terror. His family was still waiting for more details after an early morning phone call from the soldier’s widow, Theresa Morehead, who lives in Adams, Tenn. The couple had no children. “My son used to come home and say that the president was a patriot,” his father said, sitting on the front porch of the family’s Benton home. “Now I can say my son is a patriot, too.” The soldier, stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., was scheduled to return from Iraq in two weeks. He would have turned 34 Sunday. “If he could have just held out two more weeks,” his aunt, Ruth Hamilton, said through tears standing in the doorway of the home. “It’s just so bad. He was just the most wonderful and talented. He’s going to be missed by all of us so much.” The Moreheads cherish a picture taken in March 2002 of the soldier shaking hands with a shirt-sleeved President Bush at Fort Bragg, N.C. — and were passing out copies of the photo to visiting mourners Sept. 12. Jim Morehead said his son was proud to tell the story of having lunch with Bush at Fort Bragg after giving the president a field demonstration. The soldier told his father that the president got up from the table, “and he came back and stuck his head over the table and said, ‘Get ready for some more because we’re going to kick their ass,”’ Jim Morehead said. Morehead’s unit already returned from the Middle East, but the soldier chose to remain behind to help with orientation for their replacements. Kevin Morehead graduated from Little Rock Central High School and briefly attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before joining the Army. He was called to Afghanistan in October 2001 and stayed until February 2002 before he was posted to Iraq this past January. The family mourned at their Benton home Friday morning as friends and relatives brought plates of food that crowded the dining room table. The driveway is decorated with yellow ribbons, American flags and a sign reading, “Our son has your back.” The family considered Morehead to be on the front line in the war against terror, they said. “We lived it everyday with him,” his aunt said. The soldier was even quoted in the book “The Hunt for Bin Laden” describing how the Afghanistan operations played out in the months after the Sept. 11th attacks. Morehead also was among 10 Special Forces soldiers who last year placed a piece of World Trade Center debris in an Afghanistan battlefield. The photo appeared on newspaper front pages. Morehead’s sister, Kristen Wright, a doctor in Benton, said her brother supported President Bush and was upset by the terrorist attacks. “He was ready to go and fight to defend the country and make sure that never happened again,” she said. His father said Morehead was active in his church and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Professionally, Morehead was a qualified Ranger and sniper and skilled medic. The soldier had traveled to parts of Africa, Pakistan and Yemen with the Special Forces, earned a Bronze Star for valor — and recovered from malaria. “He loved the military, he loved what he was doing, he was well trained,” Jim Morehead said. |
|
I am excited to share that Nightforce Optics is returning as a sponsor this year, donating two 50% off scope certificates as well as a bunch of cool hats and shirts for the prize table. Everyone knows Nightforce scopes are expensive, which means a 50% off certificate can be worth a LOT. But most people also know that you get what you pay for. This video with our own Sean Murphy (when he used to work for Nightforce) is a great example of why these scopes are worth what they'll cost you - and why you should make a point to look for this easy-to-miss certificate on the prize table. https://youtu.be/4bZZTa8M5wI?si=HA3Z-3gjp96jh662 |
One stage this year will honor SSG Justin Whiting, who was killed on January 19, 2008 when his vehicle hit an IED in Iraq. SSG Justin Whiting, was an adventurer - an avid bow hunter, rifleman, trapper, a fisherman, and a skilled woodsman. He was a self-taught musician who could light up a room with his guitar and beautiful baritone voice. Justin’s bright red hair, his ability to tell a tall tale with quick wit, and his old man sarcasm endeared him to everyone he met. For Justin’s immediate family, he was a devoted son and a loyal brother. Justin’s military command said that with his tremendous personality and intellect, Justin could have succeeded at anything in the world. He chose to be a soldier; to serve America with dignity and pride and to apply the simple values of hard work, dedication and patriotism, to earn the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him. Justin chose the most difficult path he could pursue in the Army, becoming a Special Forces Green Beret, a combat medic. He was the Medical Sergeant assigned to 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 3rd Battalion,Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Justin served bravely, on numerous occasions putting his own life in danger to provide medical attention to American soldiers and Iraqis in need. The day before he died, while on a combat patrol in the desert, he ran through an unclear mine field to save the lives of Iraqi Special Operations Commandos whose vehicle had overturned. Justin not only assisted in pulling the vehicle off the trapped soldiers, but his heroic actions and medical skill sustained the soldiers until they were evacuated by helicopter. After Justin’s death, the commanders of the Iraqi Special Operations Battalion in Mosul asked to dedicate a memorial in Justin’s honor. On January 19, 2008, while on his third tour in Iraq, leading a convoy in Al Azaba, he was killed instantly when his vehicle hit an IED. His last moments were spent in laughter and camaraderie, as most times with Justin were, and he died among his closest friends. He was killed serving a country that he loved; whose ideals and freedoms he held dear – a true American patriot. Justin’s younger brother, Nathan, who had deployed to Iraq with him, had the unthinkable task of escorting his brother home to their family.Justin is survived by a family that loves him and with hearts that are forever broken. “De Oppresso Liber” Estelline Miller, Mother |
|
I am pleased to share that not only is Bachstein Consulting LLC returning as an obstacle sponsor, but they are bringing several competitors as well to run alongside all of us! We love having sponsors support us, but we love it even more when they sweat, swear, and shoot with us! https://bachsteinconsulting.com/ |
|
Anyone who has been to one of these events in the last several years has heard Jamie Korenoski speak at the opening ceremonies, and I'm honored to share he's also a valuable addition to the Legion Memorial Run N Gun Board. He is hosting an event two weeks after our Legion match to raise awareness of military/veteran suicide - a cause close to all of our hearts. Please share this widely and help make it a huge success! And you'll be all trained up for the Legion match anyway, so you might as well sign up and run this one too. Hope to see you there!  |
|
I am happy to share that "Family Fun Day" is returning this year! One of many reasons it's hard to be a Green Beret is all the time you have to spend away from your wife and kids. Last year we started a new program that allows the SF guys to not only come do something cool and challenging to remember their fallen, but to bring their families along to spend the weekend together and actually experience more of what dad does while he's away. Civilians can and should bring their kids too to take part! While runners are challenging themselves, everyone else can enjoy the vendor booths and waterslide! We've got an hourly kid's section with fun boost classes designed just for them. After the final runner comes in and while you're waiting for scores to be finalized, the kids will enjoy a run and shoot of their own. Bring your kids and spouses for a day of family-friendly fun - something for everyone! And don't hesitate to volunteer to help make this a fun and successful event for the kids while you're not running your own race.  |
|
Reminder: tomorrow (until midnight) is the last day you can withdraw from the match and get a full refund (minus 3% credit card fee). From tomorrow until August 16th (0:00 hours) you can get a 50% refund upon withdrawl. Anytime from August 16th on, no refunds will be given. There are a TON of people on the waitlist that would love to see you drop out! 🙂 |
One stage this year will honor SSG Matthew A. Kimmell, who was killed Oct. 11, 2005 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee: Kimmell graduated from Faith Christian School in Carlisle, IN, then attended Vincennes University before enlisting in the National Guard. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Ga., and then began his active-duty Army career as an infantryman in February 1995, serving three years as sergeant in Weapons Squad, 3rd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Kimmell then worked for 3 years as a sheriff’s deputy in Vanderburgh County and re-enlisted in the Army in 2001. In June 2003, he began the vigorous, intensive two-year training to become a member of the Army’s Special Forces. Kimmell successfully completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in November 2004 and then was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th SFG (A) at Fort Campbell, Ky. He was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant March 1, 2005. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2005. His military education included the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course, the Basic Combat Training Course, the Advanced Individual Training Course for Infantryman, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Basic Airborne Course, the Jungle Course, the Ranger Course and the Primary Leadership Development Course. Kimmell’s military awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Kimmell is survived by his wife, Mylissa, of Worthington, Ind.; his parents, Larry and Jeanne, his brother, Jeremy, and sister, Susanne, all of Paxton, Ind. Larry Kimmell, his father: "He always told me, 'I want to be the kind of guy who walks the walk. Let some other guy talk the talk.' And that's what he did." |
|
I am thrilled to share that our old friends at VK Integrated Systems are not only returning as a sponsor this year, but have merged with EOTECH and are bringing more than $4,000 worth of rifles and optics to the prize table! They will also have their tactical awareness tracking systems (EOTAK) set up all weekend, and if I understand correctly every single competitor can both track themselves and watch the other competitors do so throughout the course with their help. Be sure to see their booth well before you run to figure all this out! https://eotak.vkintsys.com/  |
|
Round count - As always, there are multiple ways you can choose to solve the problems given to you at each stage, so these numbers could vary a lot. If you shoot the stages the way I intend to shoot them, you will need to make this many hits: 6k: 36 Pistol, 40 Rifle 10k: 98 Pistol, 90 Rifle Bringing double is highly encouraged Running out out of ammo before finishing sucks way more than carrying an extra mag. |
One stage this year will honor SSG Gary R. Harper, who was killed October 9, 2005 in Iraq when insurgents ambushed his recon mission. Associated Press VIRDEN, Ill. — An Army Special Forces medic from central Illinois has been killed in Iraq, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Gary R. Harper Jr., 29, of Virden was killed Sunday when insurgents ambushed his unit during a reconnaissance mission near Baghdad, said Lt. Col. Hans Bush, a spokesman for Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. Linda Morrison, Harper’s mother, said her son told his three children he was going to Iraq to protect them. “He was a family man. He told his children he was going to go over to fight so they don’t come over here to hurt us,” Morrison told The (Springfield) State Journal-Register. “That’s who Gary was.” Harper, who joined the Army in 1993 and deployed to Iraq in June, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Ky. Brad Paisley, who coached Harper when he played football at Virden High School about 30 miles south of Springfield, said Harper had a positive attitude. “He’d take the rough job, the dirty job. He was a real great, hardworking kid,” Paisley told the newspaper. In addition to his children and mother, Harper’s other survivors include his wife. |
|
I am very sorry to report that a last minute unresolvable landowner issue means we can no longer hold the match at Dead Zero Shooting Park on August 30-31. We are pivoting to have the match at Cedar Creek Precision near Hopkinsville, KY, tentatively the weekend of December 13-14. As a default, anyone currently in the match and paid will still have a slot at the new location and date. If this is a deal-breaker for you, please withdraw from the match on Practiscore and I will issue a full refund minus the 3% processing charge - I just can't ask SFA to eat that cost through no fault of their own. And if you can't come but would like to donate your match fee to SFA anyway, we'd LOVE that - just add a note in your withdrawal request that you don't need a refund. Hopefully I got this out early enough you can still cancel any travel plans without penalties. My sincere apologies regardless - no one wanted this to go off without a hitch more than I did! Matt Stennett Match Director  |
|
Dates are now confirmed and locked in: Friday Dec 12: Staff/VIP Run Saturday Dec 13: 5k Sunday Dec 14: 10k Primitive camping (no power, water, etc. - just a big open field) is available onsite for $10/night. There is a campground and Dollar General 10 minutes away, and Hopkinsville proper (with every restaurant and hotel you could want) only 30 minutes away. We spent the weekend at Cedar Creek Precision figuring out all the details of how to transplant a finished match to a new location. I'm really excited about how good things look up there, and really think this new location will be our best one yet! The only downside is that we're holding it one week before the shortest day of the year. We're working on how to make the best use of the limited daylight we have and will have more to come on that soon. This will very likely NOT be the permanent match dates going forward - we're just doing our best to get through this year. |
|
Because of the limited daylight in December, we'll be starting the first runner at 7:00am instead of our normal 8:00am. And if you're one of the last ten or so runners, it would be smart to carry a full white light or NVG setup just in case: we've never run this new course before, so I'm taking a Scientific Wild-Assed Guess at the start/finish times. We will likely have a special prize for anyone who finishes after dark. I know we have several "Own The Night" nutjobs in our group - if you'd like to volunteer for that late run, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I will be happy to make that happen! And if anyone can't make it - PLEASE WITHDRAW as soon as you can. We still have more people on the waitlist than we do approved for the match. They would LOVE to have your slot! |
|
Just a reminder - tomorrow is the deadline to receive a full refund if you need to withdraw. After midnight tonight I will only issue a 50% refund if you withdraw from the match. If you withdraw after 11/29/25 (two weeks before match day) you will receive no refund. Withdraw through Practiscore.com to avoid any confusion/ambiguity. |
|
Stroup Knives, in partnership with The Green Beret Foundation, issues a new handmade dagger to only those who have earned the right to wear a Green Beret. For generations, the double-edged dagger has marked the moment a soldier becomes a Green Beret—symbolizing strength, service, and sacrifice. As a civilian you can not get one of these no matter how much you might be willing to pay, but Stroup has generously donated a Heritage Dagger for our prize table which was inspired by the issue version. It's as close as you can come without passing Selection. Check them out at: https://stroupknives.com/  |
One stage this year will honor SSG Gary R. Harper, Jr.- a Special Forces Medic (18D) assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. He was killed Oct 9, 2005 when his reconnaissance mission was attached by enemy forces in Baghdad, Iraq. Associated Press VIRDEN, Ill. — An Army Special Forces medic from central Illinois has been killed in Iraq, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Gary R. Harper Jr., 29, of Virden was killed Sunday when insurgents ambushed his unit during a reconnaissance mission near Baghdad, said Lt. Col. Hans Bush, a spokesman for Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. Linda Morrison, Harper’s mother, said her son told his three children he was going to Iraq to protect them. “He was a family man. He told his children he was going to go over to fight so they don’t come over here to hurt us,” Morrison told The (Springfield) State Journal-Register. “That’s who Gary was.” Harper, who joined the Army in 1993 and deployed to Iraq in June, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Ky. Brad Paisley, who coached Harper when he played football at Virden High School about 30 miles south of Springfield, said Harper had a positive attitude. “He’d take the rough job, the dirty job. He was a real great, hardworking kid,” Paisley told the newspaper. In addition to his children and mother, Harper’s other survivors include his wife. |
|
I am pleased to share that Samson Manufacturing is returning for their NINTH year of sponsorship. These guys have been here since the beginning and were an integral part of helping get my first RNG ever started. The two Briyans paired with Samson have done more to advance the shooting sports than I think anyone else. Blame them. 🙂 But also be sure to check out https://www.samson-mfg.com/ and buy any and everything they sell! |
| I am pleased to share that Scott Berger and RnG Tactics are returning as a sponsor again this year! This is the only vendor I know focused wholly on Run N Gun. Be sure to check his website out for any RNG needs you may have: https://rngtactics.com/ |
|
Round count has changed very slightly with the new venue. As always, there are several options where you could choose to shoot targets with either weapon. But if you do what makes sense to me, you'll need to make the following hits: 5k: 36 pistol, 39 rifle 10k: 98 pistol, 97 rifle For the record, I am carrying 225 pistol and 200 rifle and I know EXACTLY what's coming. When in doubt, carry MOAR AMMO!!! |
|
Innovative Targets is returning yet again as a sponsor this year! I wish I could show you what the genius and hard work of Jason Agee has done for us this year, but I'm afraid it needs to remain a surprise until match day. 🙂 But if you need awesome targets, check out https://innovativetargets.net/ |
|
I am excited to share that Rare Breed Firearms is stepping up as a sponsor this year. I had a chance to see one of their forced reset triggers in action yesterday, and it was very impressive and a ton of fun! Learn more at: https://rarebreedtriggers.com/ |
|
For those who have never been to Cedar Creek Precision before, there is ZERO cell phone service there if you have Verizon. AT&T seems to be OK. I'm not sure about the other carriers - but it's in the middle of nowhere so chances are your cell phone won't work. If you need comms, make other plans. Just use good radio etiquette and check frequencies for use before talking. We'll be running two different staff ham radio nets, and I'm guessing many others will be running radios too. Think of this as a good chance to practice field comms. Bragging rights for whoever makes the longest confirmed contact from the range - let's see some portable HF rigs in the camping area!  |
|
The big change this year with the new location is that we will be running with BOTH COLD PISTOLS AND COLD RIFLES. This means no magazine inserted and the chamber empty. The bolt can be forward to help keep mud out of the action. If you are found with a hot weapon of any kind (except while shooting, of course!) you will get a Match DQ and will not be allowed to finish the course. On some stages you will be allowed to load before the buzzer goes off - on some stages you must load on the clock. You will be given all instructions during each stage brief. You can also get a Match DQ if you muzzle someone with a loaded weapon, or have a Negligent Discharge (there is no such thing as an "accidental discharge"). Penalties will be assigned for failing to finish assigned tasks on each stage, failing intel challenges, failing to neutralize all targets, or hitting non-combatant targets. Your total score will be 50% net run time, and 50% overall shoot score. Any questions?  |
| Do you still have the family oriented stuff going on at the start/finish for the kids? Trying to figure out if I should drag the wife and son along or leave them at home. They were going to run with me but with the cold, I would rather they stay busy with your planned activities then complaining to me while running. |
| I am excited to share that Black Armor Guns is joining on as a sponsor. Owned by a former 5SFG, they focus on building precision AR-15 rifles. Check them out at: https://blackarmorguns.us/ |
|
Breed Custom Knives (another former 5SFG!) has generously donated two custom knives for us to raffle off - all proceeds go to the Special Forces Association, Chpt 38. The damascus (right, $600 value) will be raffled off Saturday for the 5k. The standard (left, $400 value) will be raffled Sunday for the 10k. $5/ticket. Will be drawn at the awards ceremony each night. @kimbreed1911 is his instagram handle - check him out!   |
|
Scores are up! Thanks everyone for braving the cold - 5k scores: https://practiscore.com/results/html/91ce2270-2c54-4dd7-840e-1f5fd2ee227d 10k scores: https://practiscore.com/results/html/d237af96-9cbd-4987-b2da-5c3a9853aaea |
|
Pictures are up! From my hard-working wife, Lisa: As always, a sincere Thank You to everyone that lent me their likeness for a few moments, and also to those that tolerated my efforts and presence throughout the course. My apologies for the lower-than-normal photo count. The extremely cold temperatures caused operational problems, including an all-out failure of one camera body and lens on Sunday until the temps warmed up into the higher single digits. Feel free to share photos with friends and family. Commercial or monetary use of copy written photos/material requires owner permissions. Don't be a d-bag. For what ever reason, if you'd like a photo of yourself removed or altered, or have any other concerns/questions, contact me at [email protected] Saturday, 5K: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lstennett/albums/72177720331011977 Sunday, 10K: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lstennett/albums/72177720331012696 Sorry to staff - she could not be there to document your pain on Friday. :-)  |
|
Official match video from the 2025 Legion Memorial Run N Gun is up! Share it to show your friends and family the awesome and crazy stuff you did last weekend. Share it to give some well deserved love and attention to our generous sponsors. But mostly, share it to honor and remember these men. In the 9 years since we've run this match, we've honored and memorialized 44 men of the 5th Special Forces Group and raised more than $170,000 for the Special Forces Association, Chpt. 38 (who takes care of the soldiers and families of 5SFG). Thank you for helping to make that happen!  2025 Legion Memorial Run N Gun Official Match Video |