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Ruck With a Purpose, O'Fallon, MO (2026)

01/18/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Jan 11th - Jan 17th 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" a minimum of 22 miles a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 22.30 miles is dedicated to USMC Combat veteran (Iraq and Afghanistan) Corporal Pamela K Dowling, who lost her battle with PTSD on May 22nd 2015. She was only 28 years old.
Pamela was based at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego County, California. She deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and earned numerous awards and commendations.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness
From the mother of Cpl Dowling, Kelli:
“Our daughter was a true hero and a winner! She was loved by her family and all her friends. A part of me died that day. No parent should ever have to bury their child. I’m so heart broken, I’ll never be same again as well as her Dad and our entire family. I love you, Pam. We must help our soldiers! They are true heroes, like our daughter, Pamela. I love you, honey. I’m only here because of Paige. I wish I could have taken your place honey. Rest in peace with the Angels, my baby girl. I will see you again.”

01/11/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Jan 4th - Jan 10th 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I "Ruck March" a minimum of 22 miles a week and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 22.46 miles is dedicated to U.S. Army combat veteran (Iraq) SGT Adam Joseph Thornton who passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the age of 22. As a field Artillaryman he was an honored recipient of Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Louisiana War Cross and Louisiana General Excellence Ribbon. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a loving father, son, grandson, brother, soldier and a friend to many, who loved his country and treasured his family.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

01/04/2026

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Dec 28th - Jan 3rd 2026
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about a week or 2) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 12.69 miles is dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran (Iraq and Afghanistan) Lance Cpl Brandon Robinson. His death was ruled service related / PTSD.”
Brandon was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a proud member of the color guard. He was a student at Elizabeth City State University where he was nearing his degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated from Kinston Aviation School and had obtained his private pilot’s license. Brandon was a hard worker who lived life to the fullest and enjoyed fishing, motor cross, being outdoors and spending time with his family who loved him deeply. He was an honorable Marine and had a great love for his country and the brothers he found along his journey. He was a dependable and responsible father and loved his daughter wholeheartedly. His beautiful spirit will live and remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Brandon, we will be lost without you. We will miss you every minute of every day. Rest in peace – until we meet again.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

12/28/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Dec 21st - Dec 27th 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 2 to 3 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 17,45 miles is dedicated to U.S. Air Force Combat Veteran (Afghanistan) Senior Airman Zane Ross Gorman, who lost his battle with mental health at 27 years old.
Zane was a was a proud veteran of the 188th Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard. Zane had the kindest soul and was always giving; he was just a good person. He did a tour in Afghanistan in 2012 for six months and came home different, even though he had struggled with depression in the past while we were growing up. This time it consumed him very quickly. He reached out for help a couple of weeks before he passed – he went to the VA and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. Two weeks later he lost his battle.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

12/21/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Dec 14th - Dec 20th 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 3 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 16.88 miles is dedicated to U.S. Navy Veteran Petty Officer 3rd class (P03) Skylar Davison USN who lost his battle with mental health on August 3rd 2024.
Skylar Davison, 23, of Perry, Ohio was born into a large family who loved him dearly. After high school in 2019, Skylar went on to join the Navy where he learned to operate nuclear reactors. After his release from duty, he returned home and began working at the AMVETS Post 1971, in Perry, Ohio as a proud veteran. In addition to his duties there he also volunteered at the annual Veterans Hospital picnic and delivered meals to veterans and their families during the holidays. When he was not working, Skylar enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, gaming, listening to a variety of music, photography, and spending time outdoors camping, and fishing.
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

12/14/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Dec 7th - Dec 13th 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 3 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 20.74 miles is dedicated to U.S. Army Combat Veteran (Afghanistan) SGT James Bearup.
James was a third generation Arizonan. After his military service, he returned home and studied Business Administration at Arizona Christian University. He was a youth pastor at Phoenix Korean Presbyterian Church and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations.
As a combat veteran, James served his country honorably in the United States Army, stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He rose to the rank of sergeant earning numerous medals, awards, and commendations including three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
“Our brother might’ve survived the Afghan war but a part of him never returned home. Several years later this war finally consumed another American hero. Stats will never paint the true picture of our country’s loss.
He served his country with honor and without fear. It’s a horrible shame to have ones loved one come home a different person. My family is one of many that have witnessed first hand what post traumatic stress disorder can do to a soldier.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

12/07/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Nov 30th - Dec 6th 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 3 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 14.21 miles is dedicated to U.S.M.C. Combat Veteran (Afghanistan) CPL Charles R. Ickes III, who lost his battle with mental health on August 13th 2016.
He served a tour in Afghanistan where he was the machine gunner up in the turret of a vehicle sweeping for IEDs. After active duty (as a veteran) he was going to school at Universal Technical Institute in Exton, PA to be an auto mechanic. Charlie was always a happy guy with a great smile till he came back from Afghanistan. He was everyone’s friend and would do anything for others. Charlie had a very kind heart. He liked riding his Harley and dirt bike in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.”
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

11/30/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Nov 23rd - Nov 29th 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 4 to 6 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 11.61 miles is dedicated to U.S. Air Force Veteran Adrian Nejedly who lost his battle with mental health on February 28, 2024.
SRA Adrian Michael Nejedly was born in April 1979 and passed away February 28, 2024. He served in the USAF in the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) for 5 years, 8 months from 2001 to his medical discharge in 2006. He served under the name Bret Michael Steckervetz or “Steck” during his time in the USAF, but legally changed his name to his birth name upon finding his biological family later in life. He was so proud of his military service, and he always wished he had been able to stay in to retirement. His deployments included time in Qatar and Diego Garcia, and he was honored that he had an opportunity to be on “Presidential Detail” for President George W. Bush with Air Force One.
Anyone lucky enough to get close to Adrian knows that while he had many struggles, he had a big heart, was very thoughtful, and was a goofball. He was an avid gamer, loved to make people he cared about laugh, and wanted to help others even if it left him in a tight spot. He loved history, documentaries and could give pretty much anyone a run for their money in trivia.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

11/23/2025

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ Nov 16th - Nov 22nd 2025
Because more than 22 Veterans & First Responders a day lose their battle with mental health my Service dog “Chipper“and I will be "Ruck Marching" as many miles as we can while recovering from C-Spine surgery in a week (Hoping to be back up to 22 miles in about 3 to 4 weeks) and dedicate that weeks Ruck March to a Veteran/First Responder that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number so they are not forgotten.
This weeks "Ruck March"of 8.85 miles is dedicated to U.S. Navy Seabee and Afghanistan combat Veteran Builder Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Derosier.
Shared by his wife, Jessica:
“Jason and I have two children. Jason was a good and loving father and husband. He was kind, wonderful, simple in his desires for life. He wasn’t flashy, didn’t boast, or aspire to impress anyone. He was a good man – an honest, trustworthy and respected friend. He was a good son. He grew up in South Milwaukee, WI and loved and Brewers and Packers. Never Forget.
“We may not understand why, but we must be strong enough to prevail.”
If anyone has a Veteran or First Responder family member / loved one or friend that lost their battle to mental health and would like a ruck march dedicated in their memory please message me.
Veteran crisis line - txt 838255 or call 1 800 273 8255 press 1
Su***de hot line call 988 !
Thank you everyone for your support.
# ***deawareness ***deprevention ***deawareness

11/16/2025

While recovering from C-spine surgery I will be sharing past ruck marches until I recover. I was cleared to start physical therapy and to start rucking again this coming week. It will still take me a while to get back up to 22 plus miles a week but I have to take it slow! I appreciate everyone’s support during my recovery and especially all of the new followers!!! Love you all! Stay blessed and most of all stay frosty! 🐾❤️🤗🙏🇺🇸

11/12/2025

🇺🇸Happy Veteran’s Day🇺🇸

THANK YOU and Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who’ve sacrificed to serve our Great Country. Honoring and supporting those who have served protecting our Freedom’s has always been a passion of mine.

Seven years ago I helped create an annual 22 mile walk called “22 Strong” which raises funds for non-profits supporting Veterans mental health with the goal of reducing the Veteran su***de rate. Each year the event has continued to grow with 2025 being our first year to raise over $100k. Please consider signing up to receive our newsletter to ensure next year’s walk is on your calendar or make a donation today to support our 2026 efforts!

https://www.building-change.org/

Hope to see you at the Mid America Veterans Museum Gala this Friday!

Ruck With a Purpose

01/18/2026

01/11/2026

01/04/2026

12/28/2025

12/21/2025

12/14/2025

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