The incarcerated people at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility are working together to help make a difference. Close to 75 of the 1,000 men serving their time are U.S. veterans, and they wanted to honor the men and women who served our nation.

Derek Aldridge served in the United States Air Force and a current staff member at the correctional facility. He along with the other incarcerated individuals, collaborated to establish a Ruck March fundraiser. The proceeds would go towards supporting the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota.

“The guys that are in here, just because they’re in here, they’re still veterans, they still want to give back. We’ll obviously improve and grow as we move forward,” Aldridge said. “So, we’ll have this and Veterans Day as our two major events. Every year, for as long as I’m going to be here, I’ll make sure this event happens. Even when I’m gone, the event will continue in the future.”

According to Aldridge they helped raised over $600 to help veterans struggling across Minnesota. We also heard from some of the incarcerated people that they also created the American Legion Post 1918. It’s the first of its kind in a correctional facility in the state. Mark Altenhofen, one of the incarcerated people and a veteran, hopes they can help other service members who are also struggling.

Another incarcerated person Hassan Abdilahi, says this Ruck March is so much more than a fundraiser. The American Legion Post 1918 in the Moose Lake Correctional Facility hopes to inspire more people to continue helping the men and women who served our nation and caring for their families.

“Just watch what we’re doing and don’t lose hope. We all have a purpose, no matter whether you’re incarcerated or outside. So stay to your guts and continue to,” Abdilahi said. “We all have that sense of urgency to want to serve others and to help people. So don’t forget about that. Don’t think just because you’re incarcerated that that goes away.”

There’s another ruck march happening this Saturday, hosted by the Wounded Warrior Project. That will take place over at the Mont Du Lac resort. It’s a great opportunity continue supporting veterans struggling with mental health.