Event Description

Proceeds to benefit the Stop Soldier Suicide Organization

Those who are gone are not forgotten. We honor all we have lost. Some we have lost on the battlefield, some on the streets of America, and others we have lost to their own demons. All of them were our Defenders. Now, it is our turn to Defend them. We Ruck - We Carry the Weight and Bear the Burden. We accept the responsibility as a community to embrace and support our heroes. Our work: Honor and Remember Fallen Heroes, and commit to finding a way to stop veteran suicide through support of organizations like Stop Soldier Suicide. 

On this walk we remember all heroes with special acknowledgment of Marine, Anthony Muhlstadt who lost his life in November 2021. Referred to as a 'Defender' by friends, family, and his brothers in arms, Anthony always stood up for the underdog. On this Ruck Walk, we carry forward his burden, and through his life and death we work to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention. 

The Defender Ruck Walk is also a celebration of life; the lives that were lived in honor of God, Community, and Country. Participants are welcome to join Anthony's family and friends for a special birthday celebration after completion of the Defender Ruck Walk. There will be music, vendors, giveaways, camaraderie, friendship, love, and, of course, birthday cake.