Nebraska Ag Connection - Husker-Hawkeye Ruck Builds Awareness on Veteran Suicides

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Husker-Hawkeye Ruck Builds Awareness on Veteran Suicides
Nebraska Ag Connection - 11/12/2019

Huskers and Hawkeyes are hitting the pavement to raise awareness about veteran suicides.

From Nov. 20-29, student veteran organizations from the University of Nebraska--Lincoln and University of Iowa will take part in "The Things They Carry Ruck March." The annual campaign will feature nearly 200 volunteers walking a ceremonial football to the Huskers' Memorial Stadium for the Nov. 29 game between the two Big Ten institutions.

The ruck -- a military term for hauling gear in a backpack from one point to another -- will cover 322 miles between Iowa's Kinnick Stadium and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium. Each participant is being asked to carry 20 pounds of personal belongings to signify the average number of U.S. soldiers -- from active duty and reserves to National Guard and retired veterans -- who die from suicide daily.

"We're partnering again with the University of Iowa to raise public awareness," said Jake Post, a retired U.S. Marine, president of Nebraska's student veteran organization and a senior in the College of Education and Human Sciences. "Veteran suicide is an issue that needs to be resolved and, to accomplish that, people need to first know about it."

After covering about half of the distance, the Hawkeye team will hand the ceremonial football off to the Huskers. The exchange will take place at Freedom Rock, a 12-foot-tall boulder located along Highway 25, near Menlo, Iowa. Established in 1999 by Ray Sorensen, an artist and veteran supporter, the boulder is painted with a design honoring veterans.

During the walk, veterans, family members and the public will also participate with the students.

For more details on the ruck or how to participate, volunteer or donate, click here or send email to veterans@unl.edu.

Ruck progress can also be followed on Facebook.

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