The Twin Ports community took part in a 10-mile trek with RUCK LIFE to support the 23rd Veterans’ 14-week Scout Mental Health Program.
The Twin Ports community came together at Mont du Lac Resort to show their commitment to veterans and active duty military members as 23rd Veterans held their annual RUCK LIFE event, a 10-mile trek fundraiser. RUCK LIFE volunteers support 23rd Veterans’ 14-week Scout Mental Health Program through the fundraiser.
RUCK LIFE is helping raise funds to help veterans with PTSD, suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues, and Mike O’Hara of Mont du Lac Resort says they’ve already surpassed their fundraising goal of $75,000.
“Their fight against veteran suicide is crucial and we’re going to continue that here,” O’Hara said. “A lot of people in this area not only served in the military, they’re in the military and they definitely support the military, so this is an important event. I think we’ve had a lot of applications since yesterday, and we’ll probably have around 500 people here during this event just to support the veterans of the 23rd Regiment.”
Amanda Crawford, a volunteer with 23rd Veteran, said her husband, Daniel, walked from Austin, Minnesota, to Austin, Texas, to continue spreading awareness and raising funds for 23rd Veteran and RUCK LIFE.
“A lot of veterans close themselves off. When you lose your squad you don’t trust anybody, but this is your squad,” Crawford said. “So say hello to people you don’t know. Say hi. Get to know people, because it can change your life.”
RUCK LIFE also helps bring civilians and veterans together, and the 10-mile trek is a great bonding opportunity for veterans to feel the camaraderie they missed during their military service.
Matt Roskey, program director for the 23rd Veterans Regiment, said the 14-week program is open to civilians, who he says are encouraged to attend in part to build connections and foster kinship with veterans who have served their country.
“We’re trying to break down the barrier between civilians and military,” Roskey said. “We want to prove to people who have served or been in the military that there are civilians here who are interested in your experiences. I think it’s important for both sides, so that civilians can understand that veterans are just people too.”
Read more stories about the 23rd Veteran and how RUCK LIFE supports veterans here.
