MONTGOMERY – A two-fold project that raises awareness for an important veterans issue while uniting the state’s biggest college rivals steps off on its annual mission this week.
To recognize the event, Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed today as Operation Iron Ruck Day in the state of Alabama.
Operation Iron Ruck is an annual event that raises awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention.
Each year, student veterans, veteran alumni and ROTC members from the University of Alabama and Auburn University ruck 151 miles from the away team’s stadium to the home team’s stadium.
Along with the game ball carried to the home team’s stadium, they also carry 22 pounds of donated materials to represent the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide every day.
The annual ruck was founded in 2018 by student veterans from the two schools.
“This event isn’t just about recognizing our veterans leading up to the big game – it’s about raising awareness for a major challenge facing veterans nationwide,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “In 2022, there were 147 veterans in Alabama whose lives were lost to suicide. Folks, this is far too high.
“But we are actively working to eradicate this epidemic.”
During last year’s legislative session, a Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee was tasked with identifying gaps in services and developing a comprehensive plan to address the behavioral needs of Alabama’s veterans.
Campaigns like Operation Iron Ruck are a unique approach to improving this issue and has made the state recognized for more than just the greatest rivalry in college football,” Ivey said.
“These three-plus days can be life-changing, which is why Operation Iron Ruck is so deserving of the national attention it receives,” Ivey said. “In a week of great division and rivalry throughout our state, these men and women unite Alabama.
“So y’all, Roll Tide, War Eagle and God bless our veterans.”
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