A Rucks on Main marcher carries a load of canned goods that will be donated to Operation: Feeding Temple. Ruckers attach a photo of a veteran who has touched their life to their backpack, and the march is dedicated to that person’s memory. This year’s Rucks on Main is May 28. Jason Deckman photo

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

A grueling 6.2-mile march through Temple’s historic neighborhoods will pay tribute to America’s veterans and stock shelves at local food banks.

Rucks on Main — held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends — has raised more than six tons of food for Temple’s hungry in two years and has raised awareness about struggles often faced by veterans.

The next Rucks on Main is May 28, and registration for the event is now under way.

“We’re hoping to have more than 200 marchers this time,” said Jason Deckman, a veteran and one of the event organizers. “It seems to grow with every march. Our first ruck was Veterans Day 2020 and we had about 70 participants. This past Veterans Day we had 160.”

Marchers will don backpacks — they’re known as rucks in the military — filled with up to 40 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food items. They also carry a laminated photo of a veteran who has touched their lives.

Once the march is complete, rucks will be emptied and the food will be donated to ‘Operation: Feeding Temple’ for dispersement to local food banks.

In the Army, weighted marching — known as rucking — is a staple of military training. Recruits are expected to complete long journeys — usually 12 miles — carrying a heavy weight in a rucksack. Rucking builds stamina, strength and muscle tone, and also includes a psychological “toughness” aspect. 

“This isn’t a race and it’s not about finishing first,” Deckman said. “It’s about remembering those who didn’t come home from war and those who have lost their struggle after returning. A little exercise is great, but Rucks on Main is about the stories of people who have come before us.”

“There are still folks out there going through the adversity and challenges of military life,” he said. “There are tears shed at this event — we remember people who are gone.”

While many of the participants are veterans or active-duty military, anyone can join the march.

“A lot of participants have not personally served, but maybe their parents or grandparents did,” Deckman said. “Or maybe a friend of another family member was involved in war. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is encouraged to dedicate their march to a veteran.”

Following a brief program and a color-guard ceremony at Santa Fe Plaza, the march will begin at 9 a.m. From the plaza, ruckers will head to Main Street, turn left, and head north through the Jackson Park area. The route crosses 3rd Street on Nugent, meanders through the Historic District, then back toward Downtown.

“People who live in the neighborhoods are so supportive,” Deckman said. “Last year, there was a woman who set up a table and handed everyone cupcakes. Some hand us water — some just applaud and cheer us on.”

“We have a great track record — everyone who started the previous three Rucks on Main has finished,” Deckman said. “We’ve had some of the early finishers drop off their rucks and go back onto the course to encourage others.”

Deckman said some of the hard-core ruckers carry as much as 60 pounds of food in their ruck.

“You don’t want to overdo it,” he said. “Unless you do this regularly, I would recommend carrying about 20 to 30 pounds.”

Water stations will be set up along the course, and a station where ruckers can refill water bottles and canteens will be located at the half-way mark.

Registration can be done in advance at rucksonmain.org or on the day of the event. The cost is $60 per person.

“Money raised is used for getting needed permits, buying commemorative t-shirts and coins, providing breakfast for our volunteers and to fund a future grant for deserving veterans,” Deckman said.

Deckman said one of the highlights of Rucks on Main is watching the older veterans share their stories with younger participants.

“The uniforms change, the enemy changes, but all military conflicts are similar,” Deckman said. “We all got through experiences we have to continue to live with. These stories tell someone who may still be suffering: ‘You don’t have to suffer alone — others have gone through the same things.’”

Rucks on Main participants march through Temple on Veterans Day weekend in 2021. The event is held twice a year — on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekend — and raises food for local food pantries. Jason Deckman photo

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The day of the ruck, volunteers will be needed to assist with site set-up and tear down, handing out T-shirts during registration and handing out event coins at the finish line. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, and breakfast and lunch will be covered.

EVENT SPONSORS

Rucks on Main is supported by these local businesses, many of which are veteran owned: VFW Post 4008, Centex Tacticle Gear, Black Rifle Coffee Co., Corky’s Wine & Beer, milMedia Group, Lamar Advertising, Family & Friends Game Club, 9Round Fitness, James Albers & Family, Operation: Feeding Temple, First Texas Brokerage, Ciaburri Brand, VetCom, Fire Base Brewing and TopSarge Business Solutions.

SUNDAY | MAY 1, 2022

Blessing Boutique needs donations

Being His Hands & Feet Ministry is in need of spring items for its Blessing Boutique, 627 Hope for the Hungry Drive in Belton.

“We are in need across the board, and we have a big need for men’s and children’s items,” said program director Tiffani Conner. “Anything you have to help would be greatly appreciated.”

Needed items include dishes, silverware, bathroom accessories, pots and pans, blankets and bedding, curtains, home decor, rugs, jewelry, electronics, luggage and furniture.

The Blessing Boutique helps homeless, foster families, single-parent families, victims of abuse and anyone in need.

For information or to arrange your donations to be picked up, call (254) 421-7144.