Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
Marine Pfc. Colton W. Rusk , Age 20 of Orange Grove, TX
KIA Dec. 6, 2010 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Private First Class Rusk attended Orange Grove High School where he excelled in Varsity Sports. Not only did he succeed on the playing field, he was also honored by his fellow classmates and teachers. Colton was voted Mr. O.G.H. S., Senior Class favorite, Prom King, and the Lupe Ochoa Sportsmanship Memorial Award.
Colton enlisted in the delayed entry program of the USMC on 6-16-08, graduated Orange Grove High School on 6-2-09, graduated USMC San Diego CA 1-29-10, SOI Camp Pendleton CA. Colton Rusk was a certified infantry machine gunner assigned to 3/5 Darkhorse WPNS Co CATT II Camp Pendleton, CA. He was chosen to be sent to South Carolina to American K-9 Interdiction to train for Improvised Explosive Device Detector dog handler. It was here that Colton and Eli became a team. He along with Eli left for OEF Afghanistan on his 20th birthday 9-23-10.
His motto was “Don’t be afraid to go after your hopes and dreams, but don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price”. This was what he chose for his motto under his senior picture.
Fellow brothers in arms in Afghanistan all said that Colton saved their lives many times while he was with them and will be greatly missed. He was their hero.
What an amazing walk today. My walk today for Marine Pfc. Colton W. Rusk was inspired by Jake Hoot from Cookeville, TN who is on the TV show the Voice. He dedicated his song to his cousin Colton and it inspired me to do a walk for him. The 18.67 Mile walk was just amazing. I lost count after about 220 honks. It was amazing. I want to thank everyone who honked and waved in helping me honor this hero. Thank you so much.
Thank you and God Bless You. You’re a hero too.
Thank you Anita, I am just doing what I should be doing. It is important to me to never forget our fallen soldiers and to let the families know that their sacrifices are not forgotten. I don’t feel like a hero because I am just doing what we should be doing. Thank you and hope you have a blessed day.
Thank you for honoring our Colton, it truly means the world to us. From Colton’s very proud Aunt.
Yvonne, I am glad that I was able to Honor Colton. It is very important that we do not forget our heroes and I will continue to honor them.