Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck

Join us for a walk in honor of those we have lost to suicide and in support of those still struggling to find a way to live after their service.
Suggested walking routes are the 0.75-mile Possum Loop on the Texas Oak Trail (more accessible route with rough natural surface, gentle slopes), the 0.96-mile Texas Oak Trail (a difficult option with a rocky and rough surface and two steep elevation changes), or the 2.87-mile Nopales Ridge Trail (longest option with rough, natural surface and two places of rocky elevation changes). Hikers on any trail can do as many laps as they feel comfortable with, and can hike weighted or unweighted. Rucking is welcome but not required. If you are rucking, please provide your own weighted ruck. If you choose to fill your ruck with non-perishable food, you can empty it into a donation box for Good Samaritan Ministries Brownwood at the end of the event at the Group Dining Hall.
Needed food items include: (soup, chili, ravioli, etc), canned meats, granola or cereal bars, and individual fruit cups. Donated food items will be used for boxes supported the homeless in our community. In 2024, almost 33,000 veterans were unhoused, accounting for 5% of the unhoused population in the nation (National Coalition for Homeless Veterans).
We encourage you to bring flags or wear memorabilia if you wish.
Who Is Invited:
This hike is open to all ages. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Where to Meet:
Group Dining Hall
How to Prepare:
Dress for hiking outdoors. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat are recommended. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person and if desired, a snack. We will have water and info stations at a couple of strategic locations for refills, staffed by volunteers from organizations with mental health missions.
Registration is NOT required. Entrance fees are waived for this event.
VETERANS and ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Check out our Parklands Passports, which provide you with free entry to all Texas State Parks (including GCSNA). You can bring your documentation and register for your passport at our Visitor Center or any other TX State Park. Note that these are best obtained in advance. Waiting until the day of the event will slow you down, as our Visitor Center does not open until 8:30 am and our staff may be serving many visitors.