Hello All,
I hope that this letter finds you well. It has been a challenging few years with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, however we have decided to bring back the ruck march to be an in-person event this year.
We would like to dedicate this year’s ruck march to my friend, Army combat veteran, and Strongman champion Kevin Quiroz. Kevin and I have known each other for quite some time, having met at various veteran’s events, NYSE bell ringing ceremonies, and trained/competed together in the sport of Strongman over the years. He was an outstanding friend, father, son, and husband who didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand, whether it be supporting a fellow veteran or mentoring children in underrepresented communities. Kevin was a pillar of his community. Tragically, Kevin took his own life in December of 2022 and we are still reeling from the loss.
Please come out and support us in our continuing fight to end this scourge that continues to plague our community as we continue to build and strengthen the camaraderie among the veteran community and among our many civilian allies and supporters. All are welcome, veteran and on-veteran alike and this year’s format will be a little bit different from past years.
This year, we will be marching through Central Park (Staging area is the same at the USS Maine Monument, at the entrance to Central Park S/W in Manhattan) for roughly 1+ miles back to the NYPD’s 20th Precinct for the annual BBQ (burgers and dogs) with New York’s Finest. FDNY has graciously offered to take those who are interested on a guided tour of their firehouse a block away. We will then conclude the ruck march with a bar crawl and open bar at Jake’s Dilemma and Gin Mill right in the neighborhood.
Please feel free to email me directly to RSVP yourself and your team or via this eventzilla site. I have attached the ruck march flyer to this message as well as included the link to a NBC interview Kevin and I did together with our veteran ally and supporter, NBC Anchor Pat Battle, a few years ago
There event is free to all and fundraising is not allowed at this event. We hope you can join us and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone soon.
S/F,
Gene Wu
USMC, Ret.
For Real-Time Updates and Further Guidance/Instructions, Please go to one of the following sites:
2. Instagram: @vethackfoundation
*** Please bring your own ruck/backpack (Optional). We recommend 30 lbs dry for your ruck(dry means without water)***
*** The NYPD will be providing us with a security escort at the front and rear of formation during the march.***
