25 Years Later – 821 CRG honors 9/11 victims through Memorial Ruck March Published Sept. 11, 2026 By Tech. Sgt. Luke Kitterman 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. The unprecedented attacks, resulting in the deaths of 2,996 people, remain the deadliest terrorist act in world history. However, out of that tragedy, heroic efforts arose. From immediate defense of American airspace to air-to-ground attacks, Airmen, alongside our sister service, allies and partners, played a crucial role in our nation’s response to the attacks and strengthened our resolve to make sure nothing like this happens again. A quarter of a century later, our obligation to the victims remains the same - To ‘Never Forget.’ Honoring this commitment, the 821st Contingency Response Group performed a 9/11 Memorial Ruck March remembering those who fell that day and pay tribute to all the families, service members and communities forever impacted by the tragic events of 9/11 and the ensuing decades of the War on Terrorism. “Today we reflect on a quarter century of service, sacrifice and remembrance to those lost on September 11th, 2001, and those that responded to the nation’s call; ensuring that our citizens, families and loved ones would be safe from terrorist acts within our borders. And that no terrorist organization abroad would harbor plans to repeat this heinous act ever again,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Trumble, 821 CRG commander. The participating Contingency Response Airmen marched 9.11km with 25-lb rucks, representing the date and years it has been since the attack. 821 CRG 9/11 Memorial Ruck March Top Performers: Top Performing Male: Staff Sgt. Anthony Hurtado, 721st Contingency Response Squadron security forces Top Performing Female: Airman 1st Class Kalissa Toney, 721st Contingency Response Squadron air transportation specialist