Operation Ruck It Veteran Suicide Awareness Hike Set In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Ma Deuce Deuce, an Ocean County organization of veterans helping veterans who are struggling with PTSD, is holding Operation Ruck It again in 2019.

The 22-kilometer march (that's 13.6 miles) aims to raise awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic; 22 represents the 22 daily deaths by suicide among those who've served in the military. It's a fundraiser for Operation Restored Warrior, which provides retreats to help veterans who are struggling with PTSD and suicidal thoughts.

"The Ruck is not an endurance race," Ma Deuce Deuce says on its event posting. Marchers are encouraged but not required to wear a 22-pound weighted pack to carry the symbolism of the suicides. It is a slow-pace march with water points every 2 to 2.5 miles and rest stops at the 5- and 10-mile points.

"We are not like the other ruck marches you read about," the group says. "If you want to walk half, so be it. If you want to take the first and last mile with us, let’s go! This is a FUNdraiser not a race."

"We also have a generous staff of medical personnel and support vehicles to ensure you are not left behind," the group says. Bicycles, strollers, wagons, and roller blades all have been used by marchers in the past, they said.

Operation Ruck It is set for Saturday, Sept. 21. Ruckers will arrive at 7 a.m. at the Brick Veterans of Foreign Wars post on Adamston Road. The march will step off at 8 a.m. and head through Bay Head, Mantoloking, Chadwick Beach and the northern beaches of Brick and Toms River before heading to the finish-line party back at the Brick VFW.

The entry fee is $22 and marchers are encouraged to seek donations in their name to support their march and the event. Donations can be made at Fundrazr.com/Ruckit2019. Participants who raise a minimum of $50 will receive a free T-shirt commemorating the march; those who reach $250 will receive a special-edition #Ruckin’ Tough hoodie. All marchers who cross the finish line will receive a commemorative patch.

The after party is free for all registered Ruckers; those who wish to attend the party will be able to purchase wristbands to join it. T-shirts also will be available for purchase.

Last year's Operation Ruck It raised more than $53,000 and this year's goal is $100,000, the group said.

Operation Restored Warrior operates free 5-day faith-based retreats in Lake Tahoe, California and Eagle, Colorado to help veterans who are struggling with emotional and mental distress. Since 2008, ORW has assisted more than 1,100 veterans.

Ma Deuce Deuce, formed by Marine veterans John Cohen and Dennis Addesso three years ago, is named for the M2 .50-caliber machine gun, "Ma Deuce," combined with the 22 veterans deaths by suicide. The organization also includes Army veterans Don Redondo, George Galesky and Marine veteran Daniel Sheehan. Cohen, Addesso, Redondo and Galesky all have participated in the Operation Restored Warrior retreats. Galesky's wife, Catherine Galioto-Galesky, serves as MA22 board secretary.

Donations can be made offline; contact Addesso at daddesso@ma22.org for more details.

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