![Kentucky Veterans Host 5k and Ruck Walk on Memorial Day](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2023/05/attachment-345009408_1526550084543387_9117830396232308802_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Kentucky Veterans Host 5k and Ruck Walk on Memorial Day
Derek "Doc" Van Tuyl is a U.S. Army Combat Medic Veteran. Not a lot of people know that he was also awarded with a Bronze Star Medal for heroic service. He would never brag on himself, but he is my friend and that's what friends do. In my opinion, he continues to be a hero to the Owensboro community. Specifically to local veterans and families through his leadership as president of V.E.T. which stands for Veterans Empowered Together.
Each year on Memorial Day, Derek has organized a ruck walk to honor his friends who died while serving our country. My husband, Michael, has joined him a couple of times. He told me it was a long 11 miles, but worth it to honor his friends who served. As well as remembering all men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy everyday.
This is the second year that V.E.T. has hosted the Memorial Day Walk for the Fallen which will be held on May 29th 2023. The remembrance ceremony will begin at 8:00 am at Shelton Memorial on Veteran's Blvd in downtown Owensboro. This will be followed by the 11 mile Ruck/Walk. Refreshments will be provided halfway through, and there will be a stop at the Sport Center to honor fallen comrades.
![WBKR-FM logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WBKRFM.png?w=100)
All are encouraged to join the walk if you want to and are able, but if it is too long for you to complete the whole thing start to finish, Derek has provided the streets on the route. This way you can join in late or leave early. You may carry mementos or photos of someone you lost, paint your face, carry a flag, to show your support and respect.
Timeline of events and route:
KEEP READING: Here are the best places to retire in America
More From WBKR-FM
![Book Your Airplane and Helicopter Rides for the 2024 Owensboro Air Show](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-airplane-wow.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Popular ‘Summer Fest’ Returns to Owensboro, KY with Fun Changes](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-10-PER-FAMILY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Local Hero: Dale Nash Wins ‘She Thinks Her Firefighters Sexy’ Contest](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design530.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kentucky Man Shares His Life-Changing ‘Olympic’ Experience in Greece](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-141.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![These Huge Trolls Are in Tennessee to Save the Humans](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T155919.149.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Son of Legendary Horror Director Owns a KY Restaurant](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2023/08/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T181402.710.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fairy Tale Trail Returns to Owensboro — Youth Presenters Needed](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T124906.286.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Score Big Savings: Must-Visit Yard Sales & Garage Sales This Weekend | 7/26 – 7/27](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-726-727.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Ohio State Fair’s Butter Sculptures Are a “Dairy” Cool Tradition](http://townsquare.media/site/76/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T114004.566.jpg?w=980&q=75)