The small town of Centerville was abuzz with activity on Memorial Day as volunteers and veterans gathered for the annual Ruckfest event. Led by Eric Munoz, President of Texas Outdoor Heroes, the Ruckfest aimed to raise awareness about the staggering statistic that every 22 days, a veteran succumbs to suicide.

Participants walked an impressive 22-mile distance from Centerville to Madisonville while remembering and honoring their fallen comrades.

Despite the early hour, a crowd of around 30 dedicated individuals participated in the Ruckfest. However, Munoz emphasized that the event was not solely about completing the challenging 22-mile trek.

Instead, it served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and aimed to raise awareness about the alarming rate of veteran suicides.

Munoz, who has been organizing the event for the past 12 years, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the local community. Generous donations illustrate the deep-rooted respect and admiration that the Centerville community holds for its veterans.

The Ruckfest commenced at the courthouse, where participants gathered for a morning prayer. From there, they embarked on their journey, going from flag pole to flag pole until they reached the American Legion in Madisonville.

Munoz reminisced about the event's early beginnings in Austin, where they walked from the Chris Kyle Memorial at the State cemetery to the statehouse, capturing poignant moments along the way.

The sense of camaraderie and unity among participants was palpable. Munoz revealed that while some of his friends had relocated to different parts of the country, they continued to organize similar events in their new communities.

One friend now spearheads a Ruckfest in Florida, while Munoz's nephew has taken up the cause in South Texas and the hill country.

The Ruckfest has become an annual tradition, one that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, according to Munoz As the participants walked the 22-mile distance, their steps were imbued with a profound sense of purpose. They carried the memory of fallen heroes with each stride, spreading awareness and advocating for support for veterans struggling with mental health challenges.