The Twin Ports community came together at Mont Du Lac resort to show their dedication to Veterans and Active Military. The 23rd Veteran held their annual RUCK LIFE event, a 10-mile trek fundraiser. Volunteers at RUCK LIFE are supporting the 23rd Veteran’s 14 week Recon mental health program with fundraising efforts.

RUCK LIFE helps raise money to support veterans facing PTSD, suicidal ideation, and other mental health issues. Mike O’Hara, with Mont Du Lac resort, says they have already surpassed their fundraising goal of $75,000.

“What they’re fighting against as far as the suicide for veterans is incredibly important. We’ll continue to do it here,” O’Hara said. “A large percentage of this community, not only has served in the military, is in the military, definitely supports the military. So it’s a crucial event. I think they’ve got a lot of sign-up since yesterday. We’re going to have probably somewhere around 500 people here over the course of this event, just to support the 23rd veteran.”

Amanda Crawford, a volunteer with 23rd Veteran says her husband Daniel walked from Austin Minnesota down to Austin Texas to spread awareness and continue the fundraising efforts for 23rd Veteran and RUCK LIFE.

“A lot of veterans, they shut themselves off. They don’t trust anybody once they lose their squad and here, this is the squad,” Crawford said. “So reach out to people you don’t know. Say hello. Get to know people. Because it can be really life changing.”

RUCK LIFE also helps civilians and veterans connect. The 10-mile trek is a great bonding opportunity where veterans can feel the sense of camaraderie former servicemembers miss during their military service.

Matt Rosky, the program director with 23rd veteran says the 14 weeks of their program is also available for civilians. He says they’re encouraged to participate to connect and grow a kinship with veterans who’ve served our nation.

“We’re trying to break down barriers between civilians and military members,” Rosky said. “To prove to the folks that have served and that have been in the military that there are civilians out here that care about your experiences. I think that’s important for both sides so that the civilians can realize that veterans are just people too.”

For other stories about 23rd Veteran and how RUCK LIFE is supporting veterans you can read more here.