4th Annual Malta Ruck March

MALTA, Ohio – Suicide has become a familiar occurrence, not only in the veterans community but throughout society.

Morgan County VFW Post 4713 Ruck March Coordinator Randy Kintz explained how the 2023 suicide of Iraq War Veteran Justin Kaid triggered the formation of their annual Suicide Awareness Ruck March.

“With the ruck march, the first year we had 60 participants. The next year we had 150. Last year we had close to 400. This year we’re expecting 500 to 700. The event is not just for veterans, it’s for anyone. Teenagers, kids, adults, senior citizens, anybody who wants to come out and have fellowship. During the ruck march, it’s about three, three-and-a-half miles, there’s nothing but chatter going on the whole time. And it’s a great event,” Kintz said.

The event is free and open to the public. It aims to let people know they are not alone and provide them with resources which can offer additional guidance and support.

“The event will kick off at 8 o’clock with an invocation. Jenny White, who is the mother of Justin Kaid gives her five minute speech on the event. This year we’re fortunate to have Former POW Jessica Lynch as our speaker, so she’ll speak for you know 10 or 15 minutes. And then we hope to get marching around 8:30. And again we say it’s a march, there’s not organized march. You’re not in step or anything like that. It’s just a gaggle of people who want to talk. And they do,” Kintz said.

The 4th annual suicide awareness event will take place this Saturday at the VFW on Front Street in Malta. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with formalities beginning at eight. The march will lead to the Commons in McConnelsville before returning to the VFW for a continental breakfast. Activities will conclude by noon and ruck packs are optional.