Carry The Load 2023 - A Personal Message from Darin M. Klemchuk

From Darin M. Klemchuk, about Carry The Load 2023:

Laura and I, along with our kids, are participating in Carry The Load again this year.  The Memorial Day Weekend event serves as a way to honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes – military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Whatever your plans might include this Memorial Day Weekend, please take a moment to reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county.

If you are moved to make a donation, please support “Team Wolf Pack” in honor of my mentor and coach, Master Chief Mark Crampton (USN SEAL), whose loss last year was felt deeply by the military community and beyond.  Known as “Cramps” to friends, he was a true American hero as well as a caring and loving man.  Master Chief Crampton graduated BUD/s class 126 in March, 1984, and began his NSW career at SEAL Team Three.  He served on active duty for 27 years, and another decade as a civilian with NSW - ultimately retiring in 2018.  He is a two-time Bronze Star awardee.

You can find out more about Cramps and make a donation here.

This is our 11th year participating in Carry The Load.  It’s the second year that I have the unfortunate honor to carry someone close to me.  Below you will find the bib I will carry on my ruck sack for the 20-hour relay, to remember and honor Cramps, his service and sacrifice, and all he stood for.

The non-profit partners, as recipients of funds donated to Memorial May Carry The Load, are aided in providing year-long continuum of care programs supporting our nation’s heroes and their families.  Healing services include counseling, adaptive training, suicide prevention, service dogs, and educational scholarships for children of the fallen.

Thank you,

Darin M. Klemchuk