200 train for 50-mile hike from Lincoln to Omaha to support veterans

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nearly 200 people will march from just outside of Lincoln to Omaha next month.

Their mission is scheduled for Aug. 23-24 and is estimated to take nearly 22 hours.

They will be rucking — walking with added weight — to support veterans in crisis, carrying up to 50-pound backpacks on the 50-mile journey.

With up to 17 veteran suicides daily across the U.S., the aim is to raise awareness and funding for veterans affected by homelessness, mental health troubles and suicide.

Nick Brown is a platoon leader for the 50 Mile Foundation and is actively training around 47 people for the upcoming ruck.

The group has been training every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for nearly nine months at Holmes Lake Park.

“The thought that someone would die for me so that I can go out and chase my dreams is so important,” Brown said. “So for me, it’s about giving back to the men and women, as well as the families of the people who have lost someone.”

The journey to Omaha will begin at the Mopac Trail in Walton, and each rucker will carry a backpack no lighter than 10 pounds.

Brown said support can be given in many different forms, such as financial or food donations or even helping find a veteran a home.

The foundation is currently working on a facility called Community of Hope.

It is a 20,000-square-foot building to be used for programming, transitional housing, mental health services, addiction recovery and employment services.

The space will also be used for community partnerships and outreach.

Brown added this message to veterans in need: “We can put you in contact with people, wherever you need, to get you plugged into community.”