Three Veterans of the U-S Army from Atlantic, were taking part in a “Ruck March” today (Monday), as part of an awareness effort with regard to veteran suicides. Casey Swanson was one the trio marching, carrying a ruck sack of personal belongings, and carrying the American Flag and one other, special item. KJAN News caught up with him, Ryan Beach and Brad Fager about 4-miles east of Wiota on White Pole Road.

(He said they picked-up to game ball for the Iowa-Nebraska football game, in Menlo. It was being carried to Lincoln, NE. over the next couple of days to raise awareness of the number of veterans lost each day to suicide.)

Ruck March east of Wiota (11/25/19 – Ric Hanson photo)

All three Atlantic man served from about 2009-to 2013. University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Iowa Student Veterans are part of the “Ruck March” from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City to Memorial Stadium for the Nov. 29^th Hawkeyes-Cornhusker game, in Lincoln. The 322-mile march began Nov. 20^th.

The leg of the trek he was on ended at the Atlantic public Library. The ball was set to be handed-off to others who will continue the journey westward.

The walkers are being divided into shifts of roughly 20-miles each. Each team member was asked to carry 20-pounds of personal belongings to signify the 20 veterans who is lost to suicide each day. Swanson described his personal items being brought with him on the trek.

(Two Purple Hearts on the back of his bag for injuries he suffered overseas, some water, and a couple of combat books.)

He said most motorists passing them have been positive, honking and waving. Others were speeding by. Fortunately, two vehicles, one ahead and one behind the trio, were serving as an escort. More information is available at www.ruckfilm.com, or on the Facebook page The Things They Carry Ruck March.