Ever wonder what our service men and women go through. The Nearly Naked Ruck March is the end of this month and can show you exactly how it feels. The big picture with all of this is to take care of those in service as they integrate.

According to the website, 23rd Veteran provides a long-term transition process for veterans leaving the military, and those who were never properly transitioned. Successfully transitioning veterans to live comfortably in our society not only benefits our veterans and their families, but it also allows our communities to capture their valuable intangible skill set in meaningful work and service.

Here's how the Ruck March works. Hike 10 miles on Duluth's gorgeous lakewalk along the frozen Lake Superior in February! Wear your long underwear and carry a pack full of weight. The weight in your pack equals 1lbs for every $10 raised for 23rd Veteran (raise $400 and carry 40lbs, or raise $2,000 as a team of ten, and each person on your team caries 20lbs). This weight represents the weight that they carry in the battle against combat stress.

Park in Canal Park on Saturday morning beginning at 8am for registration and bag pick-up. Step-off is at 10am, hiking nearly 5 miles to Duluth East High School, turning around and hiking back for a total of approximately 10 miles. There are optional turn-around points along the way :)

Every so often you'll be greeted by a warming station with a bon-fire, tent, restrooms, coffee, and hot chocolate! Be sure to bring your own packs, any style will do. If you load them with canned goods you can drop them off for the local food shelf at the finish line.

Visit their website or facebook page.

Costs for tickets go towards:

  • Registration bags
  • Beanie hat
  • T-shirt
  • Challenge coin
  • Insurance

All money raised goes directly to 23rd Veteran, our 501c3 nonprofit creating a long-term transition for veterans.

Join them Friday night the 30th for music by Madison Rising at the Sports Garden. There will also be a silent auction, and a short presentation from 23rd Veteran!!

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