The story below is the same story I've posted every year, slightly modified each time.  Even if you've read it in past years, please read it again.  I want everyone to know why I ruck.  

****

This year's ruck has been announced, and it's going to be on September 21, 2024.  It's going back to the VFW in Brick, NJ, and it's gonna be the full 22k again.  Plenty of time to order knee braces and insoles.  And, like before, there will be a party afterwards.   But first, read our team's story below:

(Details of the ruck follow the story.)

Please read the story  as many times as you want. 

************************************************

My name is Jim Peck, and I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  I always tell people that, yes I served but you'll never find my name in any history books.  I come from a family with a rich heritage of military service, many of them Marines also.  One of the best things of having served is the bond veterans have with one another whether they have ever met before or not.  Despite differences in branches, it's there.  Generally covered up by some good-natured ribbing.

Unfortunately, there is an epidemic in this country that is resulting in the suicide of an average of 22 veterans a day.  This walk is one of many events that occurs each year to help raise awareness as well as funds to help vets in need get the help they so desperately need.  It changed the lives of the founders of Ma Deuce Deuce, and it could do the same for others.  Unfortunately, this year hasn't seen quite the same activity as years past, but the Ruck goes on.

For the seventh year in a row, my team is named Team Nighthawk after Christopher M. "Nighthawk" Corley.  Chris was a Marine who I only knew through Facebook, but he was one hell of a funny guy.  Facebook is a blessing, and at times a curse.  One day, Chris posted a message that was clearly a cry for help.  I watched the responses over the course of probably 4 or 5 hours as fellow Marines and friends came together to get in touch with him and try to help.  Unfortunately, by the time they got to him, it was too late.  On February 28, 2018, Chris joined the ranks of that day's 22.

In the aftermath, I learned more about him from his friends and family.  He was a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan, emulating his physical regimen, love of cigars, and even naming his dog Arnold. 

He was a kid like me, dressing up in cammies and dreaming of one day becoming a Marine. 

He loved his country and his Corps to the end.  Unfortunately, whatever demons he dealt with won.  That needs to stop.

I'm rucking for men and women like Chris in the hopes of raising awareness and funds.  After a shorter ruck this year, it's back in full swing.  As always, it's open to friends and family nationwide who may not have ever had the chance to join the event locally.  You can ruck on your own the day of the event or whatever works for you.

Together, we can make a huge difference.  If you can walk with us, sign up for my team.  You don't have to do the whole distance but you'll get to the point that you will not want to stop.  If you can't walk, you can donate under Team Nighthawk or any other team you want.  The end goal is the same for all.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, and please spread the word.  Share as much as you can, whether it is on Facebook, emails, chain letters, carrier pigeons or signal fires.  This is the 7th annual ruck.  Let's make it an awesome one!  For Chris and all those both before and currently struggling.

Semper Fi!!

Jim

************

1. Ruck iT '24 is LIVE!  We are Ruckin' iT old school like we did before the pandemic... On September 21, 2024 we are BACK at the Brick VFW Post #8867 with a mission to spread awareness of the 22 daily veteran suicide epidemic and FUNdraise to allow us to continue the mission. We will be meeting at VFW #8867 Grove (back lot) at 0700 for registration, issue shirts if purchased/earned, and stepping off at 0800 sharp to RUCK THE SHORE! We will break halfway (around Used to Be's or Beach 3... we will have those details soon) for 30 minutes and then head back to the VFW to announce fundrasing awards and an afterparty from 2-5pm. Food, drinks, music, and fun for ALL! All participants will have a FREE entry to the after party. Additional guests can purchase a wristband at the door for $10 which includes unlimited food, soda, water and a door prize ticket. 

Although not required, we encourage you to join us wearing the coveted SILIKES shorts and a 22lb pack or weighted vest. Water will be provided before, during and after the ruck but we suggest you bring a bottle or hydration system with you as well. 

2. Prizes for Teams and Individuals are still a GO! As done in past Ruck iT years, the TEAM that raised the highest amount of funds will take home the coveted BRT Trophy! The #AndNew champion of fundraising Post 348 / IBEW 400 Ruckin' Coalition, raised a combined $6,233  to win the competition in 2023 and have their named forever etched on the BRT! Will your team be next... #AndNew?

Registration and Fundraising

Registered Ruckers have a $25 minimum registration. Once registered, all participants will have opportunities to have donations made in their name through Fundrazr. Those who raise a minimum of $75 will receive their commemorative t-shirt, FREE, the day of the event. Please note, offline contributions can be added to individual totals only after the funds are sent and received by MA22 prior to the event. Any offline contributions need to have the participants name and Ruck iT in the memo. Please contact ruckit@ma22.org for more details referring to offline contributions. 

Commemorative Shirts 

It's our 7th Ruck... you'd think we have a better idea on ordering shirts! One year we ordered 300 and it wasn't enough. Another year we ordered more and we STILL have some. So here's the deal. We ordered 265 shirts. If you want to ensure you get one, either raise the $75 to earn it or you can buy it for $25 Ruck iT 2024 Shirt).  

 Teams (Sub-Campaigns) 

I’m going to tell you a little story to better explain how it works. Ted is a dude from Toms River, NJ and heard about his awesome group of vets doing big things in the area. He’s not in the best shape but he is confident he can walk 13.6 miles considering it's NOT a race and it’s a slow pace with frequent water points and (2) 30 minute rest stops. So Ted goes to Fundrazr.com/Ruckit2024 and clicks “Ruck with Ma22”. Ted knows quite a few people so he then clicks “Create a Team” and names it “Ted’s Diabolical Diva’s”. Ted's pays his required $25 registration fee. Please note, Ted will need to approve any member wishing to join his team via the admin panel. It is important Ted logs in when he receives a notification someone joined his team to prevent that participant from registering several times. Even if Ted didn’t know a lot of people, he would still click “Create a Team” to begin his Army of One to help raise funds. Ted could’ve also clicked “Join a Team” if he knew Sally, a friend from high school, started “Sally’s Sensational SeaRuckers” and wanted to join forces. Ted then writes a little bit why he wants to participate in Op: Ruck iT and he sets a fundraising goal. This amount is up to you. Ted then customizes his team, invites members, and helps MA22 raise $100,000! Here’s the finer details:

1. Click “Join a Team” to join a team of your choosing. You will be eligible for individual awards regardless if you are on your own or any other team. Team awards will be discussed in a bit. 
2. Click “Create a Team” if you want to create a team of fundraisers OR if you are simply signing up alone. You are either a team of many or a team of one. Either way, it’s called simply a “team”.  
3. Please share what this event means to you and then set a goal you want to raise for it. 
4. Teams aka “Sub-Campaigns “ are totally customizable. Team owners can edit anything in their “Admin Panel”. Please feel free to change the pictures, titles of sub-campaign, add a video of your own... and the social media summary. You can even edit the link to your team ( fundrazr.com/tedsdiabolicaldivas ) By default, each team will have what MA22 has in the Master Campaign. We encourage you to make your team.. YOURS!
5. Next “INVITE” those you want to join your team via email, or paste the link to your team on your social media outlets. New participants can then join your team and start fundraising individually and coincidentally, your team.
6. Please note, offline contributions can be added to individual totals only after the funds are sent and received by MA22 prior to the event. Any offline contributions need to have the participants name and Ruck iT in the memo. 

Perks & Prizes:

Remember, all participants who raise a combined (registration and donations) of $75 will receive their commemorative Op: Ruck iT shirt, FREE.  This year's Op: Ruck iT will feature several team prizes in addition to individual top fundraiser prizes. The top three individual fundraisers will receive prizes for their feats. This years prizes to the top 3 individual fundraisers will not disappoint! Past winners have walked away with brand new 55" tvs, Smoker/Grill, Custom Cornhole boards,  Wine and Dine packages, Camping packages... you will certainly know your efforts are appreciated! GOOD LUCK!  Deadline for individual and team fundraising prizes is 9/21/2024 at step off at 0800! 

Sponsorship Tiers

There are MANY ways to get your business, organization, club, etc. involved with Operation: Ruck iT '24! These spots will fill up fast so please do not hesitate to contact us and let us know where your business or organization would like to support. Your tax deductible donation will help offset expenses to make Op: Ruck iT 2024 happen. We strive to promote your business any way we can, in the end your charitable donation helps us cut costs and apply funds where it's needed... to veterans.

• Tier 1 Large Logo- $500 (6)
• Tier 2 Standard Logo $300 (20)
• Tier 3 Text- $150 (12)

 What do I get for sponsoring Ruck iT 2024? Great question..... This year with the Ruck iT sponsorship you will get:

 Well that’s all we have for now. New announcements will be shared here on Fundrazr and on the event page on Facebook. Build your teams and get to it! Leeeeeet's get ready to RUCK iT!