University military group participates in Ruck
By Amber Friend | Sports & Health Editor
On Friday October 4, the Military-Affiliated Student Hub hosted a 5 mile ruck in Portland. I was able to stop by their cookout after the event and speak to a few of the participants. Tyler Silva is a student who spent 4 years active duty in the Army infantry and is a part of the veteran work study. He says that MASH and the activities they put on are “open and inclusive for everyone, even if you’re not affiliated with the military.” Jacob Kersher is actively serving in the National Guard and believes that MASH gives him “resources to hang out with like minded people and be with those who went through similar experiences”. I also had the opportunity to speak to four student ROTC members who described a week in their lives. Waking up at 4:00am for PT and participating in field training and labs are normal occurrences. It was really interesting to hear them talk about the close friends they’ve formed and learn more about the ROTC in general. Ashtin Laxson, JP Penaflorida, Britta Robinson and Walter Niehoff explained how the organization will give them the tools to reach the level of infantry platoon leaders and teach them to step up as leaders. Overall the ruck was described as eventful and fulfilling while the Military- Affiliated Student Hub gives people the resources they need to enter back into civilian life as veterans, or step into the world of the military.