Dartmouth Veteran Honors Fallen Comrades With 5th Annual 22-Mile Ruck

This Veterans Day, as parades and ceremonies unfolded across the SouthCoast, Dartmouth native and Army veteran Jason Ray was starting the day in a much different way – one exhausting, emotional step at a time.

From the early hours of the morning, Ray and roughly 25 participants began their annual 22-mile ruck march throughout Dartmouth and Westport. Each walker carried a weighted backpack or vest symbolizing the heavy burden many veterans continue to carry long after their service ends.

“Right now, we have approximately 25 people walking through Westport doing a 22-mile ruck event to help support and eliminate veteran suicide,” Ray said by phone while on his march, as he caught his breath between steps.

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A March With Meaning

A ruck march isn’t just a physical challenge. For Ray and his team, it’s an act of remembrance and purpose. Each of the 22 miles represents one of the 22 veterans who lose their life to suicide every day.

“A ruck is a walk on the road with a weighted backpack,” Ray explained. “I’m carrying about 27 pounds today. We started at 7 a.m., and we’re about three miles in.”

The number “22” has become a powerful symbol within the veteran community, a sobering reminder of how many lives are lost daily to mental health struggles. For Ray, the mission is clear: make sure those still fighting know they’re not alone.

“We do this every year with the Rucking For Veterans organization, same day, no matter what day of the week it falls on,” he said. “It’s significant to the veterans that are still with us, to have a place to go and a community to support them.”

The Emotional Finish

Ray’s annual route ends at Westport Vineyards, where the group gathers to reflect and honor the meaning behind their miles. After years of organizing this event, the finish line never gets easier.

“It’s a feeling of gratitude and respect for those around me,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else today than right here with my brothers and sisters.”

READ MORE: New Bedford’s Emotional Ruck for Fallen Firefighter Matthew Forand

Cars honked, families waved, and even kids stood roadside cheering as the group made their way through town.

“The response is great,” Ray said. “People are beeping, waving, heading to the New Bedford Veterans Day Parade or the Dartmouth celebration. Later on, you see families come out and wave. It means a lot.”

A Simple Gesture Can Save a Life

For Ray, every honk, wave, and conversation counts. Beyond the physical challenge, the ruck serves as a reminder to check in on the veterans in our lives – a text, a handshake, or even a simple “thank you” can go a long way.

“It’s important to recognize where we came from and the sacrifices that these individuals have made throughout history and still make today,” he said. “A hand up and honestly just a conversation goes a long way.”

Now in its fifth year, Ray’s Veterans Day ruck has become a SouthCoast tradition, one that blends endurance and compassion. It’s not about medals or accolades; it’s about making sure no veteran feels left behind.

“It’s your support and getting the word out that helps us complete our mission,” Ray said before continuing his trek.

In closing, to Ray and every single veteran across the country, thank you for your service.

Here’s a look back at Jason Ray’s past Veterans Day rucks and how his mission has continued to grow year after year.