MONTGOMERY, Ala (WIAT) -- Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed Wednesday as "Operation Iron Ruck Day" in the state of Alabama.
Student veterans and ROTC members from the University of Alabama and Auburn University will ruck 151 miles to honor veterans who have lost their lives to suicide. This year, they are traveling from Jordan-Hare to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
"I'm proud that Alabama is home to so many student veterans," said Gov. Ivey (R-Alabama). "Veteran alumni, and ROTC members. I will continue to care for them the same way they take care of us."
Those student veterans said the ruck means a lot to them. "Every branch has that piece that is lost when they come out," said Kevin Couch, president of the Auburn Student Veterans Association. "And this is that opportunity for all of them to get together to meet, and talk about their time in the military. And just be able to communicate with others that know what it's like to serve their country.
Couch said there's upwards of about 90 people walking, and then 15 to 20 participants from across the state coming together.
Ryan Gunning with the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association said "to be able to walk alongside a Vietnam veteran, or someone from a different theater, it's such a great way to see how similar we all are. And we all are facing the same struggles and working together."
It is estimated that 22 veterans die everyday by suicide. Participants will carry 22 pounds of donated materials to honor them. While they will also carry the game ball with them, Bill Schwenk, who serves as the event coordinator for Operation Iron Ruck, said it's not just about rivalry.
"See, Operation Iron Ruck is a call to arms. It's a battle cry," said Schwenk. "It's veterans, standing up for veterans. And fighting for our lives. Together."
Participants in the ruck will enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner along the journey on Thursday at 1 p.m. in Deatsville. You can donate or find out how you can help them along the way by going to the Operation Iron Ruck website.