Over Memorial Day weekend, Troop Industrial team members, customers, family, and friends participated in the annual Kilo 19: A Walk to Remember event in Galveston County, Texas. This event was originally founded (and is still organized today) by Army Veteran Ken Meyer and his wife, Judy.
Troop Industrial’s owner, Brian Swindel, a Marine Corps combat veteran, and the rest of the Troops participate in this event every year. Kilo 19 is a somber gathering of remembrance to honor the American military service members that have lost their lives serving our country.
This event consists of a 19 kilometer walk down Crystal Beach. The participants are Gold Star families, veterans, veterans who lost friends, military families who have lost loved ones, and a community of patriotic supporters who honor the sacrifice our troops make when they serve this country. Brian had his Sergeant Major John Edwards, a Vietnam Veteran, and John’s wife, Loretta, drive in from Minnesota for the event. Although he’s in his 70’s, John walked the entire 19 kilometers.
Brian’s step dad, Bill Wade, is also a Vietnam Veteran. Bill has 2 purple hearts and 2 Bronze Stars with Valor. He drove in from Austin to attend. Mike Glaze, a Troop Industrial employee and retired Army soldier who earned 2 Bronze Stars for combat activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, walked the event as well, as he does every year. Our group was surrounded by similar participants and hundreds of patriotic Americans with a somber heart and swollen chests full of pride.
Many participants make the walk on foot, while others drive alongside in jeeps, side by sides, and golf carts that are decked out in American flags, and signs of patriotism, love of country, and support of the United States military.
As a combat veteran himself, the event is a personal and emotional experience for Troop Industrial’s founder and owner, Brian.
Our annual participation in the Kilo 19: A Walk to Remember event is both a humbling and sobering honor. From the family at Troop Industrial, thank you to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great country.