“Ronnie’s energy is still with me, and I talk to him every day.”
Those were the words of a Gold Star mother who continues to struggle with the loss of her son, Army Ranger Sgt. Ronald Kubik. He was killed in action during a firefight with Islamic extremists in Afghanistan in 2010.
The “New Jersey Run for the Fallen” organization recognizes the sacrifices made by service personnel killed in action and their families. It stages a relay run through much of South Jersey from Cape May Point north beginning today and ending Sept. 24.
This year, events begin Sept. 20 with a flag ceremony at 5:15 p.m. at Sunset Beach in Lower Township. The next day at 8 p.m. the run commences at the Cape May Lighthouse. The run will make 76 stops in the county and end the day in Ocean City at about 4:50 p.m.
Scusa Remembered
Among its earlier stops will be at Lower Cape May Regional High School to remember Michael P. Scusa at about 10:18 a.m. He is remembered at Honor Marker 114.
On succeeding days, the run will cover significant sections of the state. Sgt. Kubik’s marker is located in front of his alma mater, Manasquan High School; the runners plan to arrive at his marker Sept. 24 at about 8:45 a.m.
No ordinary relay, each one-mile leg pauses to remember one soldier, sailor, marine or airman who will never return to their families.
Gold Star Mother
Kubik’s mother, Eileen, is one of those left behind. She described the first three months after she was notified of her son’s death as overwhelming.
“I was stunned and shocked; I couldn’t leave the house” she related after a short pause to consider those initial days and weeks after she learned of her son’s death.
Eileen recalled that Ronnie played football and competed in wrestling in high school; he also played guitar in a metal band with friends. She recalled his great sense of humor which is remembered by his high school with a yearly “Improv For Ron” comedy night that raises funds for Gold Star Mothers.
In His Memory
Kubik also noted that there is a memorial scholarship at Manasquan High School in his memory.
Kubik also acknowledged that early on, someone told her to “speak about him…it will help you.”
This is what sparked her future involvement in the organizations. She stated that she remains active with the Run For The Fallen and Gold Star Mothers organizations and that her daughters, Amy and Mary, have also taken inspiration from their brother’s life and from the support organizations that provide so much to them as they continue to grieve.
One-Mile Legs
N.J. Run For The Fallen organizes the run that consists of a one-mile leg for every service member killed in the line of duty since the war on terror began Sept. 11, 2001.
Active duty military personnel and support staff will complete each segment and stop at a “Hero Marker” where the individual service member is remembered.
Killed at 21
Kubik was 21 years old when his life ended April 23, 2010, He was leading a fire team of indigenous soldiers in Logar Province, near the eastern border of Pakistan, when his team engaged with the enemy. Kubik organized an assault on the enemy position and received mortal wounds as a result of that action.
He posthumously received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Army Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his valor that day.
The run will end Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. with a ceremony at the New Jersey Gold Star Family Monument on the grounds of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Holmdel.
For more information on the Run for the Fallen organization, the event schedule, maps and details, go to https://www.njrunforthefallen.org/.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
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