Homer Glen's Jake Swenson to Participate in 140-Mile Ruck March to Benefit Veterans

Team Sets $22,000 as Fundraising Goal to Remember 22 Vets Who Commit Suicide Each Day

HOMER GLEN, IL (July 22, 2017) – While most college students are relaxing, vacationing or working during their summer break, Jake Swenson, 20, of Homer Glen will be doing his part to help deployed military, their families and returning veterans.

Swenson and three of his St. Norbert College classmates will participate in a 140-mile ruck march August 6 through 13, 2017 – FOR THEM 2017 -- to raise money and awareness for United States military veterans.

Rucking is defined as hiking with a weighted backpack sometimes as heavy as 110 pounds in a combat environment.

"I first began rucking my freshman year at St. Norbert to supplement weight training and cardio. Rucking can either be at a walk or run pace, depending on terrain and conditioning," Swenson explained.

The ruck march will include six days of continuous rucking down the coast of Lake Michigan. The four participants will begin at the Veterans’ Memorial outside of Lambeau Field and will complete the journey at the Veterans Park Memorial in downtown Milwaukee. The team will begin and end together, carrying equipment and clothes they need for the week on their backs.

The group hopes to raise $22,000 for H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin. H.O.O.A.H., Inc. helps deployed service personnel, stateside families and returning veterans. The group operates with 100% volunteers and does not pay staff or organization members. All of the ruck march proceeds will go to 4th H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin. “Hooah” is an army term meant to acknowledge an order.

"We chose $22,000 as a goal because of the 22 veterans a day who choose suicide over life,” Swenson said. “That number is 22 preventable deaths more than what it should be.”

Swenson plays football at St. Norbert where he is a history major and entering his junior year. His goal is to pursue a career in federal law enforcement. He is a 2015 graduate of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

"All four of us feel it is our duty to help these veterans -- especially those who cannot help themselves and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country,” Swenson said. “Because of the great work 4th H.O.O.A.H does, we are able to take action on this pressing issue."

Swenson continued, “The proceeds from our ruck will fund programs that work with veterans, such as providing heat to homes of veterans, music lessons, and outdoor activities across the state. We are accepting donations from any and all, including family, friends, and corporate sponsorships. We ask that everyone please help us achieve our goal."

Swenson’s team includes three of his classmates, Avery Zucchi from Rockford and Katie Potter and Joseph Rebholz from Milwaukee.

"Our team is a very close-knit group of people who share a common goal --- to help veterans in need," Swenson said.

To donate, choose 4th H.O.O.H.A. WI at Click here and choose HOOHA WI to donate. or mail a check to 4th H.O.O.A.H.; P.O. BOX 12361; GREEN BAY, WI 54307.

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PHOTO CAPTION

Homer Glen’s Jake Swenson (third from right) is shown here with three of his St. Norbert College classmates at the Veterans’ Memorial outside of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The four are participating in a 140-mile ruck march to raise $22,000 for veterans’ services. The team chose $22,000 because of the 22 veterans who commit suicide each day in the United States.