We ruck to honor those we’ve lost, to support those still fighting, and to remind every veteran that they are not alone.
Rucking for Veterans Builds Community, Awareness, and Hope for Those Who Have Served
Rucking for Veterans, a South Coast nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and preventing veteran suicide, has grown from a single individual’s Veterans Day ruck into a community movement that has raised more than $50,000 to support veterans and their families. Since its founding, over 200 participants and volunteers have joined the organization’s mission of awareness, advocacy, and connection.
Rucking for Veterans was officially established as a nonprofit in March 2021, following a pivotal moment the year prior. On Veterans Day 2020, co-founder Jason Ray completed a solo 22-mile ruck to honor the 22 veterans lost each day to suicide. At mile 20, mentally and emotionally drained, he considered stopping. At mile 21, he saw a smiling face on a nearby porch… “Let’s go Jason, you’ve got this!” That was all the encouragement he needed to finish. That experience illustrated the power of support and sparked the idea to transform the solo effort into a community-focused event where no one walks alone.
Today, Rucking for Veterans continues that mission by bringing veterans, families, and civilians together to share the weight — both symbolically and literally. Rucking honors a longstanding military practice while representing the emotional burdens many veterans carry after service. Walking side by side fosters resilience, connection, and camaraderie, creating space for meaningful conversations and support. Beyond the annual Veterans Day ruck, Rucking for Veterans offers ongoing assistance by connecting veterans to resources, services, and programs that meet their needs. Funds raised primarily support partner organizations that provide mental health services, family support, and community-based veteran programs.
The mission of Rucking for Veterans is to bring awareness to and advocate for the prevention of Veteran Suicide, and to provide support to all veterans and their families through fundraising and community outreach.