The Mogadishu Mile commemorates the courageous route taken by Rangers and Delta Force soldiers during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, as depicted in Black Hawk Down. It’s a fitness competition and tribute to ensure the 19 fallen soldiers are never forgotten. The Three Rangers Foundation trademarks the name and encourages events nationwide to keep their memory alive. At Queenslake, this event is a family tradition, held dearly by John, Claire, their daughters, and William, who finds deep pride in this salute to his fellow servicemen.

The Mogadishu Mile honors the 19 American soldiers who gave their lives in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. Their sacrifice drives Queenslake’s commitment to ensure their names endure. Below are the fallen heroes, remembered for their courage and service:

Operators of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta

• MSG Gary Ivan Gordon Born: August 30, 1960 (Lincoln, Maine) Killed defending Super Six-Four's crew Medal of Honor, Purple Heart

• SFC Randy Shughart Born: August 13, 1958 (Newville, PA) Killed defending Super Six-Four's crew Medal of Honor, Purple Heart

• SSG Daniel Darrell Busch Born: 1968, Age: 25 (Portage, Wisconsin) Sniper on crashed UH-60 Helicopter Super Six-One, killed defending the downed crew Silver Star, Purple Heart

• SFC Earl Robert Fillmore, Jr. Born: 1965, Age: 28 (Latrobe, Pennsylvania) Killed moving to the first crash site Silver Star, Purple Heart

• MSG Timothy Lynn Martin Born: 1955, Age: 38 (Aurora, Indiana) Mortally wounded by an RPG on the Lost Convoy, died en route to Germany hospital Silver Star, Purple Heart

• SFC Matthew Loren Rierson Born: 1960, Age: 33 (Nevada, Iowa) Killed by stray mortar shell that landed near him Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

Soldiers of the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

• CPL James E. Smith Age: 21 (Long Valley, NJ) Killed around crash site one Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart

• SPC James M. Cavaco Age: 26 (Forestdale, MA) Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• SGT James Casey Joyce Age: 24 (Plano, TX) Killed on the Lost Convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• CPL Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr. Age: 20 (Crucible, PA) Killed on the Lost Convoy by an RPG Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• SGT Dominick M. Pilla Age: 21 (Vineland, NJ) Killed on Struecker’s convoy Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• SGT Lorenzo M. Ruiz Born: June 21, 1966 (El Paso, Texas) Mortally wounded on the Lost Convoy, died en route to Germany hospital Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart

Pilots and Crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

• SSG William David Cleveland, Jr. Age: 34 (Peoria, AZ) Crew chief on Super Six-Four, killed Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• SSG Thomas J. Field Age: 25 (Lisbon, ME) Crew chief on Super Six-Four, killed Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• CW4 Raymond Alex Frank Age: 45 (Monrovia, CA) Super Six-Four’s copilot, killed Silver Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• CW3 Clifton P. Wolcott Born: January 20, 1957 (Fort Campbell, Kentucky) Super Six-One’s pilot, died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart

• CW3 Donovan Lee Briley Age: 33 (North Little Rock, AR) Super Six-One’s copilot, died in crash Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division

• SGT Cornell Lemont Houston, Sr. Age: 31 (Mobile, AL) 41st Engineer (QRF), died of shrapnel wounds at Landstuhl Medical Center Bronze Star with Valor Device, de Fleury Medal, Purple Heart

• PFC James Henry Martin, Jr. Age: 23 (Collinsville, IL) Member of 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company A, killed on the rescue convoy by a bullet to the head Purple Heart

The Queenslake Mogadishu Mile, co-founded with Kentucky Wounded Heroes (KWH) in 2021, is a two-day tribute held annually at Queenslake Horse Farm (292 Soards Road, Georgetown, KY 40324). Set for October 3–4, 2025, for its 5th Annual event, it takes place on a 140-acre working horse farm with a 40-acre lake, wooded trails, and a commercial concert stage, offering a majestic setting. The 2025 tribute features a two-Friesian salute around the lake, a military-style graveyard service with a flag-draped casket during the reading of the 19 names, and enhanced race cadence with multiple lanes for a seamless experience. Dedicated to fundraising for KWH, with KWH manning the first obstacle, the event draws hundreds of participants, spectators, and volunteers, united in reverence. Visit www.mogadishumile.com or Facebook.com/MogadishuMileKentucky for details.

The Queenslake Mogadishu Mile is the culmination of hundreds of individuals united to honor the 19 soldiers. This collective effort includes (and is not limited to):

• Queenslake: Providing the 140-acre venue, infrastructure, and leadership since 2021, ensuring a majestic tribute to the 19 soldiers.

• Kentucky Wounded Heroes: Co-founder and primary beneficiary, bringing veteran expertise and manning the first obstacle in 2025.

• Grounds Crew and Excavation Company: Maintaining the 140-acre venue, from clearing trails to restoring the grounds post-event.

• PR Team: Promoting the event through media, social media, and community outreach, amplifying its impact.

• Sponsors: Including Bourbon 30, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and new 2025 sponsors like tattoo and spa services, providing funds, food (steak, burgers, burgoo), and swag since 2021.

• Benefactors: Contributing to KWH, Three Rangers and event logistics, ensuring financial support for worthy veteran organizations.

• Volunteers: Graphic designers, web developers, printers, excavators, food/water vendors, entertainers, and more, recruited by Queenslake.

• Spectators and Participants: Hundreds of attendees and four-person teams, bringing energy and commitment.

For many, the grandeur of Queenslake’s 140-acre farm—home to 70 majestic horses, a serene lake, and wooded trails—was a driving reason to join, as its splendor makes it the most fitting stage to honor the 19 fallen soldiers. This diverse community, led by John Chmela’s vision, ensures the event’s success and enduring legacy.

Queenslake’s dedication to veterans predates and extends beyond the Mogadishu Mile, solidifying its role as the true home for this tribute. Efforts include:

• Fishing Retreats: Hosted for KWH for years, fostering camaraderie among veterans.

• Veteran Dinners: Events like the May 2, 2025, Derby Eve Salute to the Troops, honoring heroes like Deputy Jaime Morales.

• Veteran Housing: Initiatives to provide shelter and support.

• Community Events: Concerts, fishing days, and fundraisers, like the American Legion Post 24 Volunteers Appreciation Dinner on May 17, 2025.

• Participate: Join a four-person team for $100 at www.mogadishumile.com. For fee discounts and waivers, inquire about promo codes for teams consisting of enlisted military, ROTC, veterans, police, fire, and gyms, early registration and more, call John Chmela at 312.388.2225.

• Volunteer: Assist with setup, logistics, or cleanup. Contact Queenslake via their website.

• Spectate: Free to watch. Join hundreds of attendees to honor the soldiers.

• Sponsor: In 2025, Queenslake welcomes tattoo and spa service sponsors, alongside other contributors, to support the upgraded tribute featuring the two-Friesian salute. Contact John Chmela for opportunities.

In 2025, two Mogadishu Mile events in Kentucky will honor the 19 fallen soldiers. The Queenslake Mogadishu Mile, held at Queenslake Horse Farm since 2021, continues its 5th Annual tribute on October 3–4, 2025, with a two-day salute featuring a two-Friesian salute, KWH as primary beneficiary, and hundreds of supporters united on its 140-acre venue.

A new event, organized by former Queenslake volunteers, is scheduled for October 4, 2025, at White Sulphur Baptist Church.

Details on the two separate events will appear below to help you to choose how to honor the soldiers’ legacy.

In 2025, White Sulphur Baptist Church (1335 White Sulphur Road, Georgetown, KY 40324) will host a new Mogadishu Mile event on October 4, 2025, organized by a group of former Queenslake Mogadishu Mile volunteers led by Sam Deeds. This 11-acre church property, led by Pastor CJ Pierce, is a separate initiative, distinct from Queenslake’s established event at its 140-acre home.

The Mogadishu Mile name is trademarked by the Three Rangers Foundation, which supports events nationwide to honor the 19 soldiers. Neither Queenslake nor the White Sulphur group owns the name, but Queenslake co-founded the Kentucky event with KWH in 2021, making it the definitive host of this five-year tradition. Queenslake conceived and built the Mogadishu Mile, providing unmatched resources—venue, infrastructure, sponsors, and logistics (e.g., services, equipment, signage, printing, swag, furniture, porta-potties)—far beyond the contributions of volunteers who emerged later. With a legacy of veteran support, Queenslake is the clear entity to continue this tradition.

• Queenslake Mogadishu Mile:
  

  • John Chmela: Key planner since 2021, providing the 140-acre venue, logistics, sponsors (e.g., Bourbon 30, Tito’s Handmade Vodka), and the 2024 video musical tribute.

  • Kentucky Wounded Heroes: Co-founder, 501(c)(3) supporting wounded veterans, primary beneficiary in 2025, manning the first obstacle.

  • Three Rangers Foundation: Beneficiary and trademark holder.

  • Volunteers: Graphic designers, web developers, printers, excavators, food/water vendors, entertainers, and more, recruited by Queenslake.

• White Sulphur Baptist Church Event:
  

  • Sam Deeds: Leads the new event, volunteer for the Queenslake Mogadishu Mile in recent years.

  • CJ Pierce: Pastor of White Sulphur Baptist Church.

  • Three Rangers Foundation: Beneficiary and invited speaker for 2025.

  • Volunteers: Former Queenslake race team members.

No. Queenslake Horse Farm founded the Mogadishu Mile in 2021 and, as its primary contributor and enduring heart, decides whether or not to move this sacred tradition. The event, rooted in our 140-acre home, cannot be relocated by volunteers without Queenslake’s explicit consent. Far from consenting, Queenslake stands resolute to continue the legacy of our 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 events. We have received reports that the White Sulphur organizers, led by Sam Deeds, describe their event as a “move,” but a few volunteers cannot unilaterally uproot and relocate an event built by Queenslake and hundreds of individuals who stand with them. The countless volunteers who built this honor alongside us affirm its deep roots here. The White Sulphur event is a new endeavor, not a continuation of Queenslake’s legacy. Our 5th Annual Mogadishu Mile, set for October 3–4, 2025, proudly carries forward this unbroken tradition, honoring the 19 fallen soldiers with unwavering devotion.

Queenslake History: Official host of the Mogadishu Mile Kentucky in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, establishing a strong tradition of honoring veterans through a well-organized, large-scale event that has grown in scope and impact each year. White Sulpher

History: No prior experience hosting the Mogadishu Mile Kentucky on their 11-acre site. However, White Sulphur Baptist Church did organize a small music concert for their members in 2023 which they chose to host at Queenslake, as their own location was not suitable for the scale of the event, which had fewer than 80 guests.

• Queenslake Horse Farm:
  

  • Size: 140 acres with a 40-acre lake, wooded trails, and a commercial concert stage. Indoor horse arena for backup in case of inclement weather.

  • Capacity: Welcomes up to 1,000 people with five workstations easily viewable by spectators spread around the lake.

  • Parking: Ample space for hundreds of vehicles, with zero issues in four years.

  • Setting: A breathtaking Kentucky landscape, home to 70 majestic horses visible at every twist and turn of the course, enhancing the tribute’s awe-inspiring experience. Features music, food, a bed-and-breakfast, and RVs for special guests, creating a two-day salute.

  • Food: Queenslake has recruited food sponsors since 2021, serving steak, burgers, burgoo, and more, with an expanding menu each year, delighting hundreds of attendees.

  • Race Cadence: A new veteran-led race team introduces enhanced race cadence, with multiple lanes and shorter start intervals, significantly reducing event duration for a seamless experience.

  • Mogadishu Mile Eve: On the eve of the Mogadishu Mile, Queenslake hosts a veteran appreciation dinner-concert, fostering camaraderie and honoring heroes in a heartfelt setting.

  • Logistics: Proven infrastructure, supported by sponsors, excavators, and volunteers, recruited by Queenslake.

• White Sulphur Baptist Church:
  

  • Size: 11 acres, located at the intersection of Highway 460 and Ironworks Road.

  • Capacity: Reports suggest the smaller space may limit the scale of workstations and attendance compared to Queenslake’s history.

  • Parking: Very limited, based on available information about the church’s lot.

  • Setting: A church property, aiming to honor the soldiers in its own way.

  • Food: Food offerings for 2025 have not yet been announced.

  • Mogadishu Mile Eve: No pre-event dinner has been announced for 2025.

  • Logistics: Organized by Sam Deeds, scheduled for October 4, 2025.

• Queenslake: The 140-acre farm has a flawless safety record, hosting thousands since 2021 with ample parking, spread-out workstations, and robust logistics. Claims of Queenslake being “unsafe” or lacking parking are unfounded, with zero incidents in four years.

• White Sulphur: Reports suggest potential challenges due to the 11-acre size and proximity to busy roads, which may affect parking and workstation/course layout. We trust the organizers are addressing these for their October 4, 2025, event.

• Queenslake (2025): Funds raised from the Mogadishu Mile will cover event expenses, with donations made to Kentucky Wounded Heroes and Three Rangers Foundation to support wounded veterans and their families. Queenslake is deeply committed to veterans, supporting many charities with our 140-acre venue, staging, furniture, human resources, and donations. We do this not only for our annual Mogadishu Mile but for veteran events we host year-round, from dinners to tributes. If you know a veteran cause we can help, please email john@queenslake.com.

No. The White Sulphur event is not disrespectful to the 19 soldiers who gave their lives. Their organizers share a commitment to honoring these heroes, carrying forward their legacy with sincerity. While their tribute on an 11-acre church property differs in scale from Queenslake’s two-day salute across 140 acres, both events are united in reverence for the fallen. Queenslake strives to offer an unparalleled Kentucky experience, yet we respect all efforts to ensure the soldiers’ names endure.

Both events seek to honor the 19 soldiers, but they offer different experiences:

• Queenslake Mogadishu Mile (October 3–4, 2025):
  

  • The original, co-founded with KWH since 2021, with a legacy of veteran support.

  • A two-day tribute with music, food, a 140-acre setting, a bed-and-breakfast, RVs for special guests, and a two-Friesian salute with a military-style graveyard service and flag-draped casket.

  • Dedicated to fundraising for KWH and supporting Three Rangers Foundation, with KWH manning the first obstacle.

  • Proven logistics for hundreds, with ample parking and spread-out workstations.

  • Register at www.mogadishumile.com.

• White Sulphur Baptist Church Event (October 4, 2025):
  

  • A new one-day event by former volunteers.

  • Hosted on an 11-acre church property, honoring the soldiers in a community setting.

  • Registration details pending.

Recommendation: If you seek a time-honored, grand tribute with a proven history, deep veteran roots, and a commitment to KWH, Queenslake offers an unmatched experience, cherished by John’s family and their Air Force veteran patriarch. If you wish to support the new initiative, consider White Sulphur’s one-day event. Both aim to honor the soldiers, and your participation keeps their legacy alive.

• Queenslake Mogadishu Mile: Visit www.mogadishumile.com or Facebook.com/MogadishuMileKentucky for updates, registration, and photos.

• White Sulphur Event: Monitor their social media for announcements.

• General Inquiries: Contact John Chmela at (312) 388-2225 or john@queenslake.com for Queenslake or reach out to White Sulphur Baptist Church.

Queenslake lives by the principle that “a soldier dies twice: once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is spoken for the last time.” With a family legacy tied to John’s 90-year-old Air Force veteran father and a history of serving veterans, Queenslake will continue the Mogadishu Mile annually to ensure the 19 soldiers’ names endure, welcoming all who share this mission with respect and unity.