Save the date! On Saturday November 7th, 2020, the Emerald Coast Honor Games will host its 4th annual “Ruck 22” event to raise awareness for our veterans and home front defenders struggling with the invisible wounds of war and service-related trauma. Approximately 22 US Veterans commit suicide every day, but the impacts of invisible wounds are felt across the entire defender community. Since 2017, the leading cause of death for military service members, veterans, and first responders has been suicide and COVID-19 has worsened this risk.
The 4th annual “Ruck 22” is an honorary ruck/march/walk that invites our community to join in solidarity with our defender community to complete a course equivalent to 22 laps around a standard running track. The course will take participants from Legendary Marine through the beautiful Destin Commons complex. The event includes on site vendors, silent auctions, and unique raffle prizes, curated for those who love life on the coast. This year’s Ruck 22 will also include a virtual competition as well so stay tuned as we build that option. All proceeds from this event go directly to five nonprofits that support defenders of the front line.
Our veterans and brave first responders are struggling with traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress, and other service-related trauma from defending the front lines. We also cannot forget the struggle for our law enforcement heroes as they continue to deal with daily tragedies and events. The Emerald Coast Honor Games is an opportunity for our community to honor and support these heroes and to let these warriors know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! With the world’s largest US flag as our backdrop, we can send a strong message together that our gulf coast community stands behind and in support of our military and first responders.
Your participation supports the following organizations that provide services to our gulf coast community:
– SpecialOps Survivors ww.specialopssurvivors.org: Special ops Survivors provides for the families of fallen special operations personnel through mentorship, outreaches, survivor conferences, education and career advancement grants, and emergency financial aid to help provide resources and tools for survivors to live their new normal in the best most fulfilling way possible.
– Air Commando Association https://aircommando.org: Air Commando Association provides critically needed support and financial assistance to Air Commandos and their families, past, present, and future.
– Healing Paws for Warriors www.healingpawsforwarriors.org: Healing Paws for Warriors is dedicated to empowering independence for Post 9/11 combat veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma by providing rescue trained ADA certified service dogs.
– Combat Control Association https//usafcca.org: Combat Control Association supports wounded and injured combat controllers and the families of our wounded, injured, and killed in action families.
– SFA Association Chapter 7 www.sfa7.org: The Special Forces Association serves as the voice for the SF Community. SFA perpetuates the SF traditions and brotherhood and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces community.
– Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Star Charities www.sheriff-okaloosa.org/ocso-sheriffs-star-charities: Okaloosa Sheriffs Star Charity is dedicated to assisting the employees of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office with unplanned, life changing events as a means of giving back to those who work so hard for us.
Registration is $22 and includes a t-shirt, an awesome event, and a great feeling afterward that you’ve done your part to support those who keep our home front safe! Registration is OPEN for this event! Please visit us at www.emeraldcoasthonorgames.com and follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/emeraldcoasthonorgames for more information!
