Veterans Ruck March - Bloomington, IL

✨ Bags Tournament Fundraiser ✨

Save the date: Saturday, August 22

VFW 454
***deprevention

Men's Mental Health month is upon us and we are here for it.

Roughly 80% of the 1.3 million active duty US military members are male. That amounts to approximately 1,040,000 men currently serving in some role.

As a whole, men are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis for depression, yet they are almost 4x more likely to die by su***de compared to women.

The su***de risk for the veteran population is 1.5x higher than civilians.

These numbers both sadden and inspire us to take action. We refuse to stand by while members of the military community suffer and yield to the incredible weight of mental illness.

The annual VFW 454 Veterans Ruck March is one way we show up for veterans and support local organizations that provide mental health assistance to community veterans.

The Veterans Ruck March 2026 is open to everyone whether they have a military background or not. If you are reading this, you are officially invited to against veteran su***de.

Save the date: Saturday, October 17.
Sign up 🔗https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-ruck-march--2026

We don't have it all figured out and we don't have all the answers, but we keep marching forward side-by-side with our brothers and sisters. Presence over perfection.

There's room for you to to end veteran su***de.

We invite you to follow Veterans Ruck March - Bloomington, IL and walk with us at the 5th Annual VFW 454 Veterans Ruck March 2026. Tap the link in comments to sign up.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of local veterans. ***deprevention

For those of you wondering, our Veterans Ruck March 2026 route will be the same as last year - but maybe with fewer "scenic routes." 😅

🏁 VFW 454
1️⃣ Fiala Brothers Brewery & Beer Hall
2️⃣ Keg Grove Brewing Company - Bloomington
3️⃣ Brass Pig Smoke & Alehouse
🏁 VFW 454

Props to our gracious ruck stops for agreeing to host our group again this year! They did a fantastic job serving so many people and we hope to increase that number even more this year. 🙌

Sign up to get your steps Saturday, 10/17! 👇

🔗https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-ruck-march--2026

We can still hear the voices of those who have gone before us.

We can still imitate the way they laughed and the silly quirks that made us shake our heads.

We remember the hopes and dreams they had for their futures after service.

We think about the loved ones they left behind.

We remember each and every man and woman who served their country bravely.

In spite of all the hardship and strife surrounding us, we pay tribute and honor to the individuals who sacrificed themselves to protect the freedoms we cherish and the land that we love.

This Memorial Day, we invite you to soak in the day of rest with a spirit of gratitude for our fallen heroes. Let's raise a glass to their memory.

Ay-o! We've got another partner ready to uplift local veterans! THANK YOU, Illinois Joining Forces, for joining us as an event sponsor for the second year running.

We always love to see fellow veteran organizations participate in the VFW 454 Veterans Ruck March 2026. Not only is it instrumental for community-building, it helps connect veterans to groups that can address their unique needs - and "get it."

Let's keep pressing forward to and support our area veterans.

***deprevention

Check out what Be Strong is doing this Saturday (May 23)! The Murph is a tradition rooted in respect for those who have passed away in their active duty service to our country.

While you scope out the Be Strong page, keep your eye out for a special VFW 454 scholarship announced just recently...👀

VFW Post 454 Murph 2026
Be Strong • May 23rd • 7am & 10am
Community Event • All Are Welcome

Do the Murph for Someone.

This workout is bigger than fitness. Murph is a chance to remember the men and women who gave everything in service to our country, both on the battlefield and after returning home.

As a community, we will push together, suffer together, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.