What the 50 Mile March Means to One Local Veteran
The 50 Mile March is more than a walk, it’s a mission, a movement, and for Justin Ogburn, a deeply personal commitment. This August, Justin will take his third journey on foot from Lincoln to Omaha, 50 grueling miles in just 22 hours, to raise funds and awareness for homeless veterans and those facing mental health challenges.
And he’s not walking alone.
From Navy Vet to Foot Soldier for Hope
Justin is a 21-year Navy submarine veteran. While his own transition to civilian life was smoother than most, he knows many who weren’t as lucky. That’s what drew him to the 50 Mile March, a community-powered event that supports local veteran-focused nonprofits and builds critical resources like the upcoming Community of Hope, a tiny-home village and support campus for Nebraska veterans.
He first heard about the 50 Mile March from local grant writer Katie LeDoux, founder of Sunflower Grant Writers. After hearing about it, he signed up just in time for the required 20-mile qualifier. What followed was a blister-filled first year (never buy brand-new shoes the week of a 50-mile walk, FYI), a scorching second year, and now his third march, where he’s bringing even more of the community along for the ride.
Meet the Marchers: Jodi Jefferson and the Grub 4 Good Crew
One of the people Justin reconnected with during that first march was Jodi Jefferson, a neighbor and the owner of Busy Bee Baking Company. She, too, was walking for the first time that year, honoring the memory of a close friend she lost to suicide. Today, she continues her mission to support veterans, not only by walking again, but by helping organize Grub 4 Good, a local food truck fundraiser that supports marchers like Justin and nonprofits like Moving Veterans Forward and the 50 Mile March Foundation.
Jodi’s story, like Justin’s, reminds us that the 50 Mile March is not just about those who walk, it’s about the community they walk for.
Grub 4 Good: Eat Local. Support Veterans. Win Big.
Want to help without lacing up your sneakers? This month’s Grub 4 Good event takes place on Thursday, August 22nd, and features two local favorites: Javi’s Tacos and Busy Bee Baking Company.
Location: Prairie Queen Elementary – RSVP and further details found in the Event Link
When: Thursday, August 22nd from 5-7 PM
Why: Because proceeds support the 50 Mile March
It’s an easy (and delicious) way to support veterans while showing up for your community. Proceeds from this event directly benefit the 50 Mile March, helping Justin and others reach their fundraising goals. RSVPing or simply sharing the Facebook event helps amplify the mission.
Why This Walk Matters
This isn’t a race. It’s a reckoning. The 50 Mile March is about showing up for the people who showed up for us, veterans who now face housing instability, trauma, and a long road to healing. And while Justin has walked through heat waves, blisters, and exhaustion, he keeps moving forward for those who can’t.
Each step supports Nebraska-based charities like Moving Veterans Forward and the Guitars for Vets chapter, which provide housing, essentials, and therapy through music.
How You Can Help Justin Cross the Finish Line
Justin is raising $5,000 this year and is already well on his way. You can help him reach his goal and directly impact local veterans by donating here:
👉 Donate to Justin’s 50 Mile March Fundraiser
Even if you can’t give today, attending Grub 4 Good, RSVPing to the event, or sharing Justin’s story can help make an enormous difference.
Final Thoughts: It’s Only 50 Miles… But It Changes Everything
The 50 Mile March may only take a day, but for the veterans it supports, the impact lasts a lifetime.
So whether you’re marching alongside Justin, cheering from the finish line, or grabbing a taco and a cookie at Grub 4 Good, just know: you’re part of something bigger.
