Ruck With a Purpose

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!

11/09/2025

While recovering from C-spine surgery I will be sharing past ruck marches until I recover. I had a small set back this past week but still hoping to be to be cleared to start physical therapy this week. I appreciate everyone’s support during my recovery. Stay blessed and most of all stay frosty! 🐾❤️🤗🙏🇺🇸

For the month of September all Ruck Marches will be dedicated to First Responders who lost their battle with mental health.
"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ September 1st - September 7th 2024
Because 22 Veterans 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 march to a Veteran that has lost their battle with mental health.
Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number.
This weeks Ruck March of 17.22 miles (Knee injury) is dedicated to
Okaloosa County Sheriff Niceville, FL and U.S, Army Veteran Jeremy Ryan Dobkins who ;ost his battle with mental health on May 21 2024
Jeramy was a man of dedication and service to his country not only as a law enforcement officer, but as a member of the Army National Guard. He was well known for his motto “It’s your job to make sure your partner goes home at night.” His professional achievements were numerous, as a School Resource Officer (SRO) he created a QR code allowing students to anonymously access Project Fortify Florida. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Illinois Dept. of Transportation DUI Safety award, the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists Top Performer Award, and the Jeremy Chambers Top Gun Award. Jeramy was a certified defensive tactics instructor, certified hostage negotiator, and Florida general instructor for agency and recruits, among many other roles. He was also a featured speaker on the Excellence in Training podcast.
“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

11/02/2025

While recovering from C-spine surgery I will be sharing past ruck marches until I recover. I am hoping about 2 more weeks then I can start physical therapy . I appreciate everyone’s support during my recovery. Thank you all for your support!

“ RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
Aug 6th - Aug 12 2023
Because 22 Veterans 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 march to a Veteran that has lost their battle with mental health. Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number.
This weeks Ruck March of 37.60 miles is dedicated to U.S. Army Operation Iraqi Freedom ( Iraq ) Combat Veteran
SGT Andrew Wilson.
Sgt. Andrew S. Wilson, 26, of Lafayette, passed away Nov. 22, 2011, in Fort Lewis, Wash. He was Infantry in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash. He served in the HHC 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Gone but not forgotten.
If anyone has a Veteran 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

10/26/2025

While recovering from C-spine surgery I will be sharing past ruck marches until I recover. I am hoping about 3 more weeks. I appreciate everyone’s support during my recovery. Thank you all for your support!

“ RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “
July 30th - Aug 5th 2023
Because 22 Veterans 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 march to a Veteran that has lost their battle with mental health. Our “Purpose” is to put a name and a face to this ever increasing number.
This weeks Ruck March of 34.04 miles is dedicated to U.S. Air Force and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) Veteran SrA Cody Hooks.
From his Mother :
“My son, Cody, was loved by all who knew him; he never met a stranger. Cody always had a desire to serve in the military since he was little; he was involved all 4 years of High school in the ROTC program, where his Senior year made the highest rank as Captain. Upon graduating high school he joined the USAF and served from 2010-2013. Cody deployed to Kuwait in 2011. Cody loved spending time with family and friends.
I will never understand why this happened but will forever keep his memory alive and try to help other families cope with the loss of a child. I have joined TAPS and they have helped me understand more about military su***des, I hope one day the number will be 0 and not 22+.
Gone but not forgotten.
If anyone has a Veteran 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

10/21/2025

While recovering from C - spine surgery I will be sharing older ruck march dedications until I am recovered. Thank you again everyone for your support!!!!!

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ June 29th - July 5th 2025
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 25.77 miles is dedicated to United States Marine Corps Veteran LCpl Cody Garrette White who lost his battle with mental health on March 7th 2024.
Cody was very proud to join the Marine Corps and wanted to go to Japan, which he got. He served in artillery maintenance and enjoyed learning about each weapon. His passing was in Okinawa, Japan. Cody’s short life will always be meaningful and beautiful. Please continue to help keep his name alive he always wanted to travel. My sweet son is remembered by three sisters, two brothers, his father and I, along with five step siblings and step mother, two nieces, as well as multiple family members and friends. He was blessed with a large family, as well as his dog River.
Never Forget.
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

10/13/2025

While recovering from C - spine surgery I will be sharing older ruck march dedications until I am recovered. Thank you again everyone for your support!!!!!

"RUCK WITH A PURPOSE “ November 24th - November 30th 2024
Because 22 Veterans 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.
This weeks Ruck March of 22.37 miles is dedicated to U.S. Army, Operation Enduring Freedom, Combat Veteran SSG Michelle Langhorst who lost her battle with mental health on March 30th 2015.
Michelle’s mark of specialty was military police, which she enjoyed immensely. Immediately finishing basic training, she was deployed to Germany then Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She made lifelong friends with her fellow soldiers and had a special bond with them. One of her fellow soldiers told our family a story that is proof what an excellent, compassionate, and heartfelt woman she was. During the deployment in Afghanistan, she used her free time and money to visit children in the orphanage and brought them toys, food and water and they played games too. He told us how dangerous it was for her to leave the confines of the base and risked her life to visit these orphans. Michelle was very humble and never told anyone at home about her selfless works. After her time in Afghanistan and Germany, Michelle was 1 of 2 women chosen for a special assignment in Brussels, Belgium doing protective services for NATO. Michelle received many accolades and awards during her 9 years of service and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Michelle was honorably discharged after she sustained an injury to her arm. Michelle was such a giving and kind person, always doing for others instead of tending to her own needs. She had such a beautiful heart and is loved and missed beyond words. Michelle lived for her family and was very excited to be a Godmother to her precious Harper Monroe Michelle, whom she never got to meet. We are certain she is in Heaven and will be the guiding light for Harper.
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