Hero's Ruck 2026

Hero’s Ruck is a charitable, nonprofit organization that hosts a walk, or a “ruck,” happening in Kent, Ohio. Hero’s Ruck is an event open to all members in and around Portage County and surrounding areas, and consists of an organized walk to honor first responders and raise funds and supplies for linking veterans to pets.

A “ruck” essentially means walking with a weighted backpack. This is similar to a military training exercise. During the Hero’s Ruck event, participants will carry a backpack filled with essential supplies, dog food, dog toys, and other resources to a designated location. The ruck typically begins in Downtown Kent, and ends at Dix Stadium or the American Legion Portage Post 496.

Yes, Hero’s Ruck is an event held yearly. The Ruck typically occurs in November every year, with the home page of the Hero’s Ruck website being updated once the date and time has been decided upon. 

The core mission and purpose of Hero’s Ruck is to raise supplies and funds for linking pets to veterans, while also providing resources and education in the community about linking pets to veterans. Hero’s Ruck also aims to bring awareness to the benefits of service animals for veterans specifically, while also working to ensure that rescue pets can get adopted.

No, you do not need a rucksack in order to participate in Hero’s Ruck. You are welcome to bring one or carry one, but this is not a requirement in order to participate in the event.

Studies have shown that companion animals, often dogs or cats, can provide substantial benefits for veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here are a few key reasons why:

1. Unconditional Love and Companionship: Companion animals can provide a sense of love, trust, and companionship that may be difficult for veterans with PTSD to find elsewhere. These animals don’t judge or stigmatize, and their constant presence can be very comforting.
2. Routine and Responsibility: Taking care of an animal also requires maintaining a consistent routine and shouldering responsibility, which can provide a sense of purpose and structure that can be beneficial for someone coping with PTSD.
3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Interacting with animals has been shown to lower levels of stress and anxiety. This can be particularly helpful for veterans dealing with PTSD, as it can reduce symptoms and improve overall mood.
4. Physical Activity: If the companion animal is a dog, the need for walks and exercise can promote physical activity in the veteran. Regular exercise is known to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved mood and decreased anxiety.
5. Social Connection: Companion animals can also serve as an ice breaker or common point of interest when interacting with others. This can help veterans with PTSD who may struggle with social interaction.
6. Trauma Healing: There is also some evidence to suggest that the act of bonding with an animal can help people to process and heal from traumatic experiences.
7. Improved Sleep: Veterans with PTSD often suffer from insomnia or nightmares. Having a companion animal in the home can provide a sense of security that might help improve sleep patterns.
8. Emotional Support: Companion animals have a natural knack for sensing human emotions and providing comfort. For veterans who may be wrestling with emotional numbness or difficulty expressing their feelings, this can be an incredibly valuable form of support.

The benefits can be even more significant when the companion animals are specifically trained as service or therapy animals. These animals are trained to perform specific tasks related to managing a person’s psychiatric condition, such as detecting when a person is having a panic attack and responding in a certain way to help alleviate the symptoms. However, even non-trained pets can provide significant benefits for veterans with PTSD.

You can get involved with Hero’s Ruck in numerous ways. (Talk about links, links go here) If you are interested in supporting the ruck in a way that is not mentioned, you have questions, or you are interested in something else with regards to Hero’s Ruck, please send an email to info@mfpmail.herosruck.com .

In order for us to help connect you with a pet, we will need a copy of your DD-214 as honorably served. If you are a first responder, you will simply have to show a badge (paperwork) with the appropriate city and unit served. Each dog or cat will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and chipped. Dependent on the funds available, some dogs can be trained for specific purposes.

For us to link you with a pet, you will need to provide your ID to Portage County PL. You are able to request information about being linked with a pet after the ruck, and you do not need to be present for the entire event in order to be linked with a pet.