Ruck across Whitman County

Air Force Master Sergeant Mitch Kriebel of Oakesdale, right, and his sister-in-law Sarah McKnight of Colfax “ruck” through Colfax July 17 as part of Kriebel's 117-mile walk through parts of Whitman County last week -- with a weighted “ruck” on his back. Kriebel is a leader of Ruck for the Fallen – an organization that aims to honor fallen first responders, military, firefighters and police. The black-and-white American flags Kriebel and McKnight carry with one red stripe (Kriebel) is meant to support firefighters and the black-and-white U.S. flag with one green stripe (McKnight) is meant to honor military. These are known as the “Thin Red Line” flag and the “Thin Green Line” flag. McKnight is a board member for “Ruck for the Fallen.”