DECEMBER 26, 2023 — Soldiers of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, embarked on “Pioneer Rush” ruck march December 19, 2023.
An annual holiday tradition, the Pioneer Rush is a heartwarming initiative where Soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community.
Due to their deployment, this year’s ruck occurred in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. Partnering with the mayor of Drawsko Pomorskie, the 47th BSB identified crucial destinations to bring joy and support to the residents, showcasing the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s dedication to community engagement and goodwill.
Soldiers traversed the city streets through the rain, each step excited with the anticipation of gifting a child from the local community.
Their mission was clear: spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts to three significant locations in the community. The Soldiers made stops at a local children’s hospital, an orphanage and children’s social services. Their presence and generosity lit up the faces of the children.
“Events like the Pioneer Rush not only strengthen our bonds within the battalion but allow us to strengthen connections within the local community,” stated U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, the battalion commander of the 47th BSB. McDonald emphasized the significance of Soldiers engaging in acts of goodwill, highlighting another side of their service.
U.S. Army Spc. Giovanni Ricardo Bowsell — a human resources specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division — shared his sentiments about the event.
“Being able to contribute to the community, especially during the holiday season, makes me proud to be a Soldier. Witnessing the smiles on the children’s faces is all we can ask for,” said Bowsell.
The Pioneer Rush ruck march is more than a charitable gesture; it symbolizes the embodiment of the military’s values beyond the battlefield. The Soldiers’ commitment to giving back, camaraderie and their eagerness to connect with the local population displays their pledge to service and sacrifice.
Moreover, these engagements serve as a testament to the U.S. Army’s commitment to being an integral part of the communities they find themselves stationed. These experiences celebrate mutual understanding, an exchange of cultures and unity transcending nationalities.
The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team maintains many combat-capable forces in Europe. It exists to deter aggression; if deterrence fails, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners against that aggression. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is forward deployed to Europe in support of the 3rd Infantry Division, V Corps at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland.
By Spc. Trevares Johnson