A little over a week ago, I was lacing up my shoes for my third 50 Mile March for Veterans. I already knew it was going to be different, better, because the forecast wasn’t calling for the triple-digit heat we slogged through last year..
Mother Nature gave us a gift this year, and it showed. The weather was cool, the skies were calm, and from the first mile, I felt stronger than I ever had before.
Table of Contents
A March to Remember
The new starting point in Walton meant more trail time and less walking along the shoulder of busy roads. That shift alone made the miles more enjoyable, more peaceful, and safer.
My family was there at the start, waving me off as the crowd moved forward in the early afternoon. I saw them again along the route near our neighborhood (yet another bonus to living in North Shore, I wrote a whole blog about more bonuses), popped up at Cabela’s, and of course, greeted me at the finish line. Having them show up at different points gave me a lift every time I started to feel the weight of the journey.
One of our neighbors, who volunteers each year, even sent my wife “proof of life” photos at every stop. We laughed later when we realized he’s done that all three years, so technically, he has a picture of me at every stop since my very first march. Maybe one day I’ll turn those into a video montage.
By the time I crossed the finish line, I was tired, but feeling good. In fact, I grabbed a quick beer, and within 30 minutes, I was out showing a house. The next day, we even put in an offer for the buyers. That’s just how real estate goes. Life doesn’t pause for 50 miles.
Jodi’s Why
Everyone walks for a reason. For me, it’s about finishing what I start and doing my part to support veterans in our community. For my friend Jodi, the march is deeply personal.
Jodi is the owner of Busy Bee Bakery and helps run Grub 4 Good event I started this summer. She walks every year in honor of her dear friend, a veteran she lost to suicide. Her miles are a promise to carry forward the memory of someone she loved, a promise to fight for others who are still here and struggling.
Watching Jodi push through the hard moments of the march is always a reminder that this event is about more than endurance. It’s about grief, healing, and hope.
Extraordinary Stories Along the Way
The 50 Mile March for Veterans is full of stories like that. Every participant has their own “why.” This year, a few stood out to me:
- Nate Peitz rolled all 50 miles in his wheelchair. Gravel roads and crushed limestone shredded through several pairs of gloves, but he kept pushing. Nate called it the toughest challenge of his life, and when you saw the determination on his face, you believed him.
- In Papillion, seniors at Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge created their own “5.0-Mile March.” Led by veteran John Jones, who attempted the full 50 last year, dozens of residents trained for months to walk laps around their community. “We all have hurts and aches and pains. But still, take a step while you can. While you can, take another step,” encouraged participant Pauley.
These stories, from wheelchairs to walking sticks, prove that the distance doesn’t matter. The heart behind the effort does.
The Impact Behind the Miles
Brianne Schuler, Executive Director of the 50 Mile March Foundation, summed it up: “We know how important it is that we take care of those who take care of us.”
This year’s march raised an incredible $750,000 through the 50 Mile March Foundation. The funds power the Foundation’s mission, supporting veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges through direct programming, future projects like the Community of Hope campus, and grants to local partners such as Moving Veterans Forward. That means every step taken helps provide housing stability, essential resources, and a reminder to veterans that they are not alone. You can learn more about Moving Veterans Forward in this feature interview blog that we published recently.
From the youngest marcher at nine years old to the oldest at 75, the march has truly become a movement. It’s about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the men and women who have already sacrificed so much.
How You Can Help
The march ends at the finish line, but the mission continues every single day. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate directly to Moving Veterans Forward and make an immediate impact.
- Volunteer your time or resources – help move furniture, collect supplies, or deliver goods to veterans settling into new homes.
- Attend local fundraisers like Grub 4 Good. Our next one (and last one for the season) is September 26th at Prairie Queen Elementary with Hydes Slides. Come grab dinner and know that your presence supports a cause bigger than all of us.
Closing Thoughts
The 50 Mile March for Veterans isn’t just about the miles. It’s about the message: you are not alone.
For me, for Jodi, for all of the walkers, volunteers, and supporters, those miles mean something different, but they all add up to the same truth. Together, step by step, we can carry each other forward.
Whether it’s 50 miles, 5 miles, or simply showing up to cheer, every effort matters.
