Ruck March
THE WAR IS ON AMERICAN SOIL
22 CASUALTIES PER DAY
THE ENEMY - PTDS
COVID won't stop us in 2021
Ruck March 2020 was cancelled due COVID restrictions. BUT NOT THIS YEAR!
Ruck March 2021 will take a new turn this year so nothing can stop it from happening! Not social distancing, limited numbers of participants, or state closures of any kind! So, here’s the plan in a nutshell.
*The Ruck will be held at one location this year, Will County Fair Grounds. Our board will be working out the logistics of the route, possibly including the Peotone Park District path adjacent to the fairgrounds.
*Participants can be individuals, families or small groups.
*Participants can walk 1 mile up to 22 miles.
*10 -12 of our Veterans from the original Ruck, (C022-0) will be rucking the 22 miles from
point A to B, so social distancing will not be an issue. (social distancing on the road with 130 or more is too dangerous!)
*Participants will join CO22-0 on a final walk around the fairgrounds, upon their arrival.
How to get Involved
Participate
As a Rucker, you can choose to walk 22 miles or any amount you would like. AAS will provide each participant with water and snacks while they are walking the ruck. We ask for a minimum donation of $25 for registration, along with each participant collecting pledge donation amounts for the mission. Click the link below to register and note quantity equals number of participates registering.
Sponsor
By giving to this annual event you'll be supporting Adopt a Soldier in the battle against Veteran/military suicide, 22 TO NONE. Your donation will be recognized at our event, on our website, and Facebook. Click the link below.
Volunteer
Can't ruck but you want to help? You can volunteer at the Ruck March by calling (708)825-6751 OR email: adoptasoldierorganization@gmail.com, to inquire about volunteering for the day.
Spread the Word
Share Share Share! Go on Facebook and invite your friends and family to the event to cheer on the Rucker's.
What is Ruck March?
Approximately 8000 veterans /military members succumb to PTSD each year! These numbers are staggering and unacceptable!
Since the formation Adopt a Soldier in 2012, military families and Veterans have increasingly contacted our organization regarding PTSD and Veteran Suicide. In 2016 we hosted our first Ruck March. Our March was a combination of veterans, current military and one pre-basic training soldier, a total of 12 to be exact! They walked 22 miles, one mile for each Veteran/military member who took their own life due to PTSD. It was that event that began our Battle against PTSD & Veteran suicide.
We have learned so much from our veterans, young & old, along with our military families living with this everyday! As stated above, awareness is not enough!
Why Ruck?
The March has accomplished several important things these past years and enabled AAS to learn so much on what we believe is the first invasion of our attack on the enemy, PTSD.
1. Connect
While walking together, the opportunity to connect and start to build a bond is created. Many of our Veterans of different generations, that have participated in the Ruck, are now linked together as a support system. The same is true of family members of Veterans and current enlisted military members.
2. Share
Communicating, and sharing becomes EDUCATION! As our participants spend hours walking, to honor those that have passed, their stories are shared with each other creating bonds.
3. Support
The connection/bond that is created among this group leads to a support system within a community.
A group that combines those that are embracing, owning, have conquered, and those whose loved one have lost the battle with PTSD.
4. Educate
Our children are the future of America! As protest, demonstrations, and riot's, consume the media. Adopt a Soldiers Ruck march provides an opportunity to demonstrate to our youth how to bring awareness to important issues facing our Nation.
AWARENESS REQUIRES CHANGE,
CHANGE REQUIRES ACTION
ADOPT A SOLDIER
CREATES THE OPPORTUNITY
TO TAKE ACTION!
RUCK MARCH 2021
AWARENESS IS NOT ENOUGH
AWARENESS: KNOWLEDGE OR PERCEPTION OF A SITUATION OR FACT
let's simplify it even more
Knowledge: facts, information acquired through experience or education
Perception: the ability to become aware of something through the senses
Education is out there if you're willing to listen and learn!
We believe the issue lies within the perception.
22 a day!