Greetings from the Republic of Texas!
Terrence Ogden is the kind of guy you want to have around when the chips are down. Always ready to help out, he was out with a chainsaw clearing downed trees in their small town after our last ice storm and volunteered to help victims of our last hurricane down on the Coast.
In a world of sheep, I would rank him a “sheepdog”. Naturally, he has 3 cattle herding Blue Heelers on his 10 acre place
Trained in Jiu Jitsu, he’s a fighter with the skills and discipline of a warrior. A cabinetmaker by trade, he loves to hike, hunt and camp, especially with family and friends. An eighth generation Texan, the family’s original Texas Land Grand is proudly displayed at his shop, Ogden Woodworks.
It’s no surprise that the “Come and Take It” spirit that won Texas Independence in 1836, captured his heart, when he first learned the little known history of the Immortal 32.
When Colonel Travis and his small army was besieged by thousands of Mexicans at the Alamo, he famously dispatched this desperate plea in February, 1836.
To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World
The enemy has demanded a surrender, I have answered the demand with cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls — I shall never surrender or retreat.
I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch.
Victory or Death.
William Barrett Travis, Lt Col
( paraphrased )
Silence appeared to be the only answer, at first.
The defiant men who had faced down the Mexican Army months earlier in Gonzales, Texas felt honor bound to come to the aid of their countrymen and began the 75 mile long trek knowing they were facing certain death.
“Suddenly, at dawn on March 1, 1836, the only reinforcements to respond to Travis’s urgent appeal fought their way into the Alamo. A hastily organized cadre of boys and men ages 16 to 54, forged through a line of 4,000 to 6,000 Mexican soldados, dodging fire from their compatriots atop the mission’s walls. All but three of the Rangers rode into history as the Immortal 32.” writes Kathleen Rice Adams, PetticoatsandPistols.com
Terrence has organized and grown a mission to trace that historic 75 mile march, nonstop, commencing in Gonzales and ending at the Alamo called the Immortal 32 Ruck. This is their fourth year.
“It’s a tough test for your body, your gear, but most of all your mind” says Ogden. In fact, he believes you can overcome whatever obstacle that’s in front of you, particularly with the camaraderie of a team.
A ruck is simply walking with a weighted backpack. One of their sponsors is nationally known GoRuck. The participants will be carrying their own food, water and basic first aid. It is not a race, it’s a group event where teamwork will be needed. They plan to raise money for a friend and combat veteran who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer shortly after the birth of his first child.
The Immortal 32 Ruck has blossomed since that first year, when just he and gym buddy, Keith Busby set out to see if they could tough it out, hiking with a back pack and a Texas flag, partly along busy I-10, a known cartel smugglers route, through the dead of night. With scant breaks every 10-12 miles, they made it in just 27 hours, blistered but triumphant having proven their mettle through the long, hard, cold night.
The fourth annual Immortal 32 Ruck has evolved, surprising skeptics, with 27 participants and counting, including 2 medics, a support van and a sponsor for their gear, GoRuck. Top podcaster and author, Jocko is donating merchandise in support.
Success is sweet.
Ogden didn’t start this idea four years ago with a grand goal in mind. He was captivated by the courage of the men of the Alamo and decided to test himself by putting one foot in front of the other.
He has proven that enthusiasm, grit and a little help from your friends can carry you through the toughest of times. Maybe we can’t walk 75 miles, but we can support the ones who do!
“I am only one, but I am one.
I can't do everything, but I can do something.
The something I ought to do, I can do.
And by the grace of God, I will.”
Edward Everett Hale ( Man Without a Country )
I'm so glad you shared this heroic piece of Tex-American history! I don't remember much from the page or two in a history book read in grade school, on the east coast. Knowing about the lives and shared vision and honor that united the 32, inspires me to pray for unction, bravery and chutzpah in American patriots, rooted in faith in Christ and wisdom from Heaven. May people be gracious in their giving to help Jason fight that cancer and support his family in their time of need. Awesome testimony, past and present!
Awesome story thanks Anita...lv Sandra