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The Price of FreedomOn September 29th, 2010, Senior Airman Mark Forester, beloved son, brother and friend was killed in Afghanistan while attempting to save a fallen comrade. We hope that you find Mark's story a source of inspiration, patriotism and proof that heroes are real.
Mark was a member of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope AFB, NC. His website is dedicated to all Combat Controllers as well as US Servicemen, both past and present. We are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. Mark A. Forester - JAG 28 (May 15, 1981 - September 29, 2010) |
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31-Mile Memorial Birthday Walk - May 19, 2012
For the second year in a row, we will hold a memorial walk in Haleyville on May 19, 2012, in Mark's honor. This is the same day as the 5k/10k race. For anyone who wants to participate, it will begin 6:00 am and will be a continuous 31 miles in honor of Mark's 31st birthday, which is May 15. This walk will be held each year, with one mile added every year to represent his age.
The route will also begin and end at Haleyville High School. This is a personal walk for me and it's not about the money or participants; it's about remembering our brother on his birthday, and putting myself thru some pain in his honor. We welcome anyone who wants to participate. The entry fee is $20 and supports The Mark Forester Foundation. We will carry the same baton as last year. We anticipate the walk taking about 10-12 hours. There will be staging areas every 5 to 7 miles with water and few snacks.
The walk will include a stop at Mark's grave and a pass by the flag pole in front of our parent's house. The flag atop the pole has special meaning because it's the flag that Lt. Col. Frank Latt had in the cockpit with him while providing Mark air support on his final battle. Frank presented this flag to us shortly after his return from deployment.
**on line registration has ended. See you in Haleyville on the 19th**
The below picture is the group before starting at 6:00 am last year. Only about 5 people who started didn't complete.
The route will also begin and end at Haleyville High School. This is a personal walk for me and it's not about the money or participants; it's about remembering our brother on his birthday, and putting myself thru some pain in his honor. We welcome anyone who wants to participate. The entry fee is $20 and supports The Mark Forester Foundation. We will carry the same baton as last year. We anticipate the walk taking about 10-12 hours. There will be staging areas every 5 to 7 miles with water and few snacks.
The walk will include a stop at Mark's grave and a pass by the flag pole in front of our parent's house. The flag atop the pole has special meaning because it's the flag that Lt. Col. Frank Latt had in the cockpit with him while providing Mark air support on his final battle. Frank presented this flag to us shortly after his return from deployment.
**on line registration has ended. See you in Haleyville on the 19th**
The below picture is the group before starting at 6:00 am last year. Only about 5 people who started didn't complete.
Matt Mueller has provided several tips for preparing for the walk and during it. Here is great information to follow:
1. Start using the shoes/boots that you plan on using for the Ruck March, NOW!!!!! This also applies to pants, shorts, shirts, cold/hot weather gear you plan on wearing. Don't let there be any surprises pop-up 10-15 miles into the march. DO NOT SHOW UP TO THE MARCH WITH UNTESTED GEAR, you WILL pay the price if you do.
2. Start using the socks you plan on marching with, figure out what works for you i.e. wool socks with a liner, ankle socks, or two pair of liners. Whatever you like, USE IT, TRAIN WITH IT.
3. BACKPACK. If you plan on carrying one, just as the first 2 tips, start using it during your training NOW. NO SURPRISES.
4. Start putting together a first aid/BLISTER kit, some suggestions include, but not limited to; mole skin, band aids, blister patches, vaseline, sunscreen, chapstick. As you continue training you will probably start to think of things to add. Also get smart on blister treatment, you can google it, there will be a lot of guys that can help you during the march but it's always nice to be self-sufficient if needed.
5. When training for the march, Never run or jog with your pack. Have fun training, get outside, crosstrain, train your whole body. Slowly work up to the march. Start with lower mileage and work up, 2-3 marches a week at varying distances will be good, once again, HAVE FUN.
6. If you want to get really aggressive about training there are a couple web sites that have some really good workouts for overall fitness: crossfit.com crossfitendurance.com, and militaryathlete.com
7. FOOD; during the march you will want to snack on a variety of food/power gels/beef jerky/snacks, start eating and experimenting with the snacks you like during training, this will identify any bowel problems you might or might not have while walking 31 miles at one time. Diarrhea/upset stomach is not your friend during a ruck march.
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Walking seems very easy, but I can assure you it's not if you're not prepared. I use Scarpa hiking boots b/c they have a firm heel and they worked great last year. There are many options though. Several of Mark's teammates attended last year and it was great walking with them. Many had at least 30 lbs in their packs. This is something they do often.
Here are a few more specifics and suggestions about the walk:
-To be clear, the 10k/5k/fun run race is still on too. The first race doesn't begin until 9:00 am. You can't participate in the walk and the run. They are completely separate events
-Parking for the walk will be at the Haleyville Middle School, which is directly across the street from high school football field
-If you plan to participate, please register on line. Registration link is above
-Begins at 6:00 am at electronic sign at Haleyville High School. Please be there early to get your t-shirt.
-There will be staging areas every 5-7 miles to eat a snack, drink, change socks, etc. We anticipate making each stop at the staging areas as quick as possible--10-15 minutes
-We will have a police escort. If anyone gets too far behind the group, they will need to be picked up by the trailing car and taken to the next staging area. If we get too spread out, the police are concerned for their safety
-Bring socks to change at every staging area
-If you have valuables and don't know where to keep them, you can put them in the trailing car, which will follow the group the entire walk
-You need to bring your own blister kit and first aid kit. Also, if you want power/energy bars, you will need to bring your own. We can only provide water, Gatorade, some fruit, and lunch
-Last year we were fortunate to have cool weather, in the 50's. Probably won't get that lucky this year, so be prepared for heat and humidity
1. Start using the shoes/boots that you plan on using for the Ruck March, NOW!!!!! This also applies to pants, shorts, shirts, cold/hot weather gear you plan on wearing. Don't let there be any surprises pop-up 10-15 miles into the march. DO NOT SHOW UP TO THE MARCH WITH UNTESTED GEAR, you WILL pay the price if you do.
2. Start using the socks you plan on marching with, figure out what works for you i.e. wool socks with a liner, ankle socks, or two pair of liners. Whatever you like, USE IT, TRAIN WITH IT.
3. BACKPACK. If you plan on carrying one, just as the first 2 tips, start using it during your training NOW. NO SURPRISES.
4. Start putting together a first aid/BLISTER kit, some suggestions include, but not limited to; mole skin, band aids, blister patches, vaseline, sunscreen, chapstick. As you continue training you will probably start to think of things to add. Also get smart on blister treatment, you can google it, there will be a lot of guys that can help you during the march but it's always nice to be self-sufficient if needed.
5. When training for the march, Never run or jog with your pack. Have fun training, get outside, crosstrain, train your whole body. Slowly work up to the march. Start with lower mileage and work up, 2-3 marches a week at varying distances will be good, once again, HAVE FUN.
6. If you want to get really aggressive about training there are a couple web sites that have some really good workouts for overall fitness: crossfit.com crossfitendurance.com, and militaryathlete.com
7. FOOD; during the march you will want to snack on a variety of food/power gels/beef jerky/snacks, start eating and experimenting with the snacks you like during training, this will identify any bowel problems you might or might not have while walking 31 miles at one time. Diarrhea/upset stomach is not your friend during a ruck march.
---------------------------------------
Walking seems very easy, but I can assure you it's not if you're not prepared. I use Scarpa hiking boots b/c they have a firm heel and they worked great last year. There are many options though. Several of Mark's teammates attended last year and it was great walking with them. Many had at least 30 lbs in their packs. This is something they do often.
Here are a few more specifics and suggestions about the walk:
-To be clear, the 10k/5k/fun run race is still on too. The first race doesn't begin until 9:00 am. You can't participate in the walk and the run. They are completely separate events
-Parking for the walk will be at the Haleyville Middle School, which is directly across the street from high school football field
-If you plan to participate, please register on line. Registration link is above
-Begins at 6:00 am at electronic sign at Haleyville High School. Please be there early to get your t-shirt.
-There will be staging areas every 5-7 miles to eat a snack, drink, change socks, etc. We anticipate making each stop at the staging areas as quick as possible--10-15 minutes
-We will have a police escort. If anyone gets too far behind the group, they will need to be picked up by the trailing car and taken to the next staging area. If we get too spread out, the police are concerned for their safety
-Bring socks to change at every staging area
-If you have valuables and don't know where to keep them, you can put them in the trailing car, which will follow the group the entire walk
-You need to bring your own blister kit and first aid kit. Also, if you want power/energy bars, you will need to bring your own. We can only provide water, Gatorade, some fruit, and lunch
-Last year we were fortunate to have cool weather, in the 50's. Probably won't get that lucky this year, so be prepared for heat and humidity
If you will be visiting Haleyville for the first time, here is a link with city information. Haleyville Chamber of Commerce
Here are hotel options for the area:
1. Imperial Inn (formerly Windwood Inn) - Haleyville. This is an old hotel right in town. Rate is $42/night. Tell them it's for Mark's walk. Phone 205-486-5205.
2. Hampton Inn - Winfield (27 miles away). They are blocking 6-10 rooms for the race/walk weekend. Tell them it's for Mark's walk in Haleyville and the rate is $89/night, breakfast included. Phone 205-487-1270.
3. Best Western - Russellville (27 miles away). Many of Mark's teammates have stayed here for previous events. Rate is $67.99/night, breakfast included. Phone 256-332-1002.
4. Hampton Inn - Jasper (40 miles). May be best for those coming from the south (if you can't stay in Haleyville). Rates are TBD. Phone 205-221-3334.
Here are a few pics from last year, taken as we arrived at the Hutcheson's for lunch. This was after mile 17.5:
Here are hotel options for the area:
1. Imperial Inn (formerly Windwood Inn) - Haleyville. This is an old hotel right in town. Rate is $42/night. Tell them it's for Mark's walk. Phone 205-486-5205.
2. Hampton Inn - Winfield (27 miles away). They are blocking 6-10 rooms for the race/walk weekend. Tell them it's for Mark's walk in Haleyville and the rate is $89/night, breakfast included. Phone 205-487-1270.
3. Best Western - Russellville (27 miles away). Many of Mark's teammates have stayed here for previous events. Rate is $67.99/night, breakfast included. Phone 256-332-1002.
4. Hampton Inn - Jasper (40 miles). May be best for those coming from the south (if you can't stay in Haleyville). Rates are TBD. Phone 205-221-3334.
Here are a few pics from last year, taken as we arrived at the Hutcheson's for lunch. This was after mile 17.5:
Ish taking a break. He had some nagging injuries from his last deployment, which he's since had surgery for. But during this walk, he didn't complain. He also still carried weight in his backpack.
Doctoring blisters.
Nick handing off the baton just before we complete the walk. It took us about 10.5 hours last year to walk 30 miles.
Click below to download the Price of Freedom Memorial Birthday Walk route. It's very similar to last year's route, with minor changes.
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Price of Freedom Race - May 19, 2012
The second annual Mark Forester Price of Freedom Race will be Saturday, May 19, 2012.
The purpose of this race is to celebrate Mark's life and to raise money for The Mark Forester Foundation.
The race will take place in his hometown of Haleyville, AL. It will begin and end at Haleyville High School. The address is:
Haleyville High School
2001 20th Street
Haleyville, AL 35565
Registration:
**on line registration has ended. See you in Haleyville on the 19th**
Notice the banner along top and bottom of page titled "Mark's 2012 Race Registration". These buttons will be an easy way to get info and to register for the race. We hope you plan to attend this special event with us, whether you're a newcomer or second-timer--we welcome and invite you all.
You can also print out the registration form and mail in. Click the link below to open form:
The purpose of this race is to celebrate Mark's life and to raise money for The Mark Forester Foundation.
The race will take place in his hometown of Haleyville, AL. It will begin and end at Haleyville High School. The address is:
Haleyville High School
2001 20th Street
Haleyville, AL 35565
Registration:
**on line registration has ended. See you in Haleyville on the 19th**
Notice the banner along top and bottom of page titled "Mark's 2012 Race Registration". These buttons will be an easy way to get info and to register for the race. We hope you plan to attend this special event with us, whether you're a newcomer or second-timer--we welcome and invite you all.
You can also print out the registration form and mail in. Click the link below to open form:
If you will be visiting Haleyville for the first time, here is a link with city information. Haleyville Chamber of Commerce
Here are hotel options for the area:
1. Imperial Inn (formerly Windwood Inn) - Haleyville. This is an old hotel right in town. Rate is $42/night. Tell them it's for Mark's walk. Phone 205-486-5205.
2. Hampton Inn - Winfield (27 miles away). They are blocking 6-10 rooms for the race/walk weekend. Tell them it's for Mark's walk in Haleyville and the rate is $89/night, breakfast included. Phone 205-487-1270.
3. Best Western - Russellville (27 miles away). Many of Mark's teammates have stayed here for previous events. Rate is $67.99/night, breakfast included. Phone 256-332-1002.
4. Hampton Inn - Jasper (40 miles). May be best for those coming from the south (if you can't stay in Haleyville). Rates are TBD. Phone 205-221-3334.
Here are hotel options for the area:
1. Imperial Inn (formerly Windwood Inn) - Haleyville. This is an old hotel right in town. Rate is $42/night. Tell them it's for Mark's walk. Phone 205-486-5205.
2. Hampton Inn - Winfield (27 miles away). They are blocking 6-10 rooms for the race/walk weekend. Tell them it's for Mark's walk in Haleyville and the rate is $89/night, breakfast included. Phone 205-487-1270.
3. Best Western - Russellville (27 miles away). Many of Mark's teammates have stayed here for previous events. Rate is $67.99/night, breakfast included. Phone 256-332-1002.
4. Hampton Inn - Jasper (40 miles). May be best for those coming from the south (if you can't stay in Haleyville). Rates are TBD. Phone 205-221-3334.
The course is officially certified and maps are available. Click below to view the 5k race.
Click below to view the 10k race. Notice it is basically the 5k doubled.
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The Mark Forester Memorial Award for Excellence
On April 26, 2012, we attended the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association (CVA) Banquet at Hotel Capstone. In addition to honoring many veterans who were in attendance, The Mark Forester Memorial Award for Excellence was presented for the 2nd year in a row. This year's recipient was Christopher Duke, from Columbia, AL.
Christopher enlisted in the US Navy in 2004 and went to boot camp in 2005. After finishing Corps School he was sent to Portsmouth Naval Hospital and farmed out to Branch Health Clinic Naval Station Norfolk from 2005-2007. He worked in Aviation Medicine and Military Acute Care as an EMT as well as doing a short stint with the Military Police onboard Naval Station Norfolk. He was then sent to Field Medical Service School at Camp Lejeune, NC to complete training for duty with the Marine Corps.
He was stationed with Marine Special Operations Command Support Group from 2007-2010 doing field evolutions and teaching Combat Life Saver courses before Marines deployed. While with the Marines, he was the only Navy Corpsman on the east coast qualified to fly Raven UAV drones. Getting outstanding marks on his Physical Fitness Test gave him the opportunity to be the Command Fitness Leader for MARSOC Support Group. He received 3 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Fleet Marine Force(FMF) Warfare Pin, Global War on Terrorism, and Pistol Ribbon. He separated from the Navy in 2010 to complete his Bachelors Degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Alabama using the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
He will graduate in May of 2013 and hopes to become a commissioned officer in the Navy. He currently has a 4.0 GPA and works for the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at UA.
Chris said, "Being the recipient of the Mark Forester Memorial Award for Excellence was a great honor. Like Mark I have an unending passion for Alabama football and everything surrounding it and I hope that I will uphold the honor of this award throughout the rest of my time in Tuscaloosa and my continuing military career. Rolltide!"
Pictured below is Chris, along with Rozlynn and Thad Forester. Congratulations on the award Chris, and thank you for your service to our country.
Christopher enlisted in the US Navy in 2004 and went to boot camp in 2005. After finishing Corps School he was sent to Portsmouth Naval Hospital and farmed out to Branch Health Clinic Naval Station Norfolk from 2005-2007. He worked in Aviation Medicine and Military Acute Care as an EMT as well as doing a short stint with the Military Police onboard Naval Station Norfolk. He was then sent to Field Medical Service School at Camp Lejeune, NC to complete training for duty with the Marine Corps.
He was stationed with Marine Special Operations Command Support Group from 2007-2010 doing field evolutions and teaching Combat Life Saver courses before Marines deployed. While with the Marines, he was the only Navy Corpsman on the east coast qualified to fly Raven UAV drones. Getting outstanding marks on his Physical Fitness Test gave him the opportunity to be the Command Fitness Leader for MARSOC Support Group. He received 3 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Fleet Marine Force(FMF) Warfare Pin, Global War on Terrorism, and Pistol Ribbon. He separated from the Navy in 2010 to complete his Bachelors Degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Alabama using the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
He will graduate in May of 2013 and hopes to become a commissioned officer in the Navy. He currently has a 4.0 GPA and works for the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at UA.
Chris said, "Being the recipient of the Mark Forester Memorial Award for Excellence was a great honor. Like Mark I have an unending passion for Alabama football and everything surrounding it and I hope that I will uphold the honor of this award throughout the rest of my time in Tuscaloosa and my continuing military career. Rolltide!"
Pictured below is Chris, along with Rozlynn and Thad Forester. Congratulations on the award Chris, and thank you for your service to our country.
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Barry Crawford receives Air Force Cross
We first met Capt. Barry Crawford on Sept 29, 2010 shortly after the news of Mark's death was delivered. Barry, and a fellow teammate Sascha, were assigned to be with our family during the process that followed the next nine days. He left a lasting impression on our family.
We are very proud of him for this accomplishment. The Air Force Cross represents the second highest honor for valor in combat. In short, during a 10+ hour firefight in Afghanistan in May 2010, he directed multiple aircraft, which eliminated numerous terrorists, and exposed himself to the enemy many times in order to evacuate the wounded and get his team out of the area safely. During this fight, one of his antenna was hit by a bullet which caused it to strike the back of his neck. He lost several men that day and has been nothing but complimentary to his team for their escape from the enemy fighters.
You can read many more details, as well as see his actual citation by clicking HERE.
You will be amazed at his talent, skill, and mental toughness after ready this article. It's well worth the read.
You can also watch video of the ceremony from the Pentagon by clicking HERE.
Sgt. Mac has additional info on Barry HERE.
He was also interviewed on Fox News last week. Thank you for your service Barry. It's great to see another CCT receive a distinguished award. First There!
Below is Barry receiving his medal from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. He is the same man who awarded Rob Gutierrez his Air Force Cross, and Ish Villegas his Silver Star.
We are very proud of him for this accomplishment. The Air Force Cross represents the second highest honor for valor in combat. In short, during a 10+ hour firefight in Afghanistan in May 2010, he directed multiple aircraft, which eliminated numerous terrorists, and exposed himself to the enemy many times in order to evacuate the wounded and get his team out of the area safely. During this fight, one of his antenna was hit by a bullet which caused it to strike the back of his neck. He lost several men that day and has been nothing but complimentary to his team for their escape from the enemy fighters.
You can read many more details, as well as see his actual citation by clicking HERE.
You will be amazed at his talent, skill, and mental toughness after ready this article. It's well worth the read.
You can also watch video of the ceremony from the Pentagon by clicking HERE.
Sgt. Mac has additional info on Barry HERE.
He was also interviewed on Fox News last week. Thank you for your service Barry. It's great to see another CCT receive a distinguished award. First There!
Below is Barry receiving his medal from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. He is the same man who awarded Rob Gutierrez his Air Force Cross, and Ish Villegas his Silver Star.
Below is Barry at work.
The Air Force did send their best during our trying time. He definitely went above and beyond to meet our needs and help organize everything surrounding Mark's Angel Flight, funeral, graveside service, missing-man formation flyover, and much more.
We hope you can continue to find inspiration on this site by reading not only about Mark, but about the many others who protect us. They deserve much more respect and appreciation.
Barry is a husband and father of two.
The Air Force did send their best during our trying time. He definitely went above and beyond to meet our needs and help organize everything surrounding Mark's Angel Flight, funeral, graveside service, missing-man formation flyover, and much more.
We hope you can continue to find inspiration on this site by reading not only about Mark, but about the many others who protect us. They deserve much more respect and appreciation.
Barry is a husband and father of two.
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Ish Villegas receives Silver Star
On October 27, 2011, our friend, Ish was officially awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions during a 16-hour firefight on September 24, 2009. When you read about this firefight, you will be amazed at how he controlled several aircraft, all while taking fire from the enemy and using his personal weapon. He also ran thru an uncleared IED mine field, so he could get in better position to protect his team.
You can read more about Ish's ceremony by clicking here.
You can read more about Ish's ceremony by clicking here.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents award.
Below is Ish's Silver Star medal. We have been fortunate to have Ish in our home several times and we are humbled at his selfless service. He was also a teammate of Mark's and spent a few weeks with him when Mark first arrived at Cobra. He showed Mark what equipment was best, how to wear it, and much, much more. He is a great American.
Last year he completed the 30-mile Memorial Birthday Walk with a badly injured ankle. He had surgery just before Thanksgiving, so he won't be taking part this year, but we look forward to having him at the event anyway.
Last year he completed the 30-mile Memorial Birthday Walk with a badly injured ankle. He had surgery just before Thanksgiving, so he won't be taking part this year, but we look forward to having him at the event anyway.
Click link below to read his Silver Star citation for the specifics of his actions. It is remarkable.
Ish with Mark in Afghanistan, before going to work.
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