Local News

Group raising money for military families to 'ruck march' to Travelers Rest Saturday

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – A group working to raise awareness of veterans and their families dealing with post traumatic stress disorder and the epidemic of veteran suicide will march from Greenville to Travelers Rest and back to Greenville on Saturday, May 31, carrying full rucksacks along the way.

The group – known as the G-Vegas Ruckers – was organized by Scott Fagan, a retired military member and a 1983 graduate of Travelers Rest High School. The march is part of "Carry the Fallen," a national effort that includes fundraising by participating ruck march teams. Fagan's goal is to raise $5,000.

All proceeds will be donated to Active Heroes, a 501c3 charity that works to strengthen active duty military, veterans and their families in order to provide the coping skills to manage the stress and the triggering points that lead to suicide. (See video below.)

In addition to collecting online donations, Fagan will be carrying an ammo can during the march to collect donations along the way.

The G-Vegas Ruckers will set out from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Cleveland Park in Greenville at 7 a.m. and are planning on being in Travelers Rest around noon. They will make a stop at the Swamp Rabbit Brewery on Main Street before they start their return trip to Greenville.

Anyone is welcome to join in the march (for free) at any point along the route. No special fitness level (or a ruck sack) is required.