My Story of how the Tough Ruck changed my life starts on April 15th, 2014, the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. On that day while driving home from work I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. In the crash, I broke my wrist, femur, and right ankle in three places. Because of that, I had to have a rod put in my femur as well as two plates and nine screws into my ankle, which all remain today. After a total of five surgeries over the next few years, I was really depressed and had gained a lot of weight. I knew something had to change but I was in constant pain and was not sure what to do. Then in April of 2018, I saw the photos on Facebook of the Tough Ruck and said to myself that’s it. I am GOING to do that next year. So after starting to train in June of that year I signed up in November for the ruck. In the meantime, I was losing weight and feeling great about myself because not only was I starting to be pain-free but also I was learning more about the ruck and the great cause which is the Military Friends Foundation where the money we raise goes. In April 2019 I completed my first Tough Ruck at the shock to some who said I couldn’t do it. Do not let anyone tell you, you cannot do it. This year will be my fourth marathon and am looking forward to it. I will forever be grateful for this event as it has completely changed my life!
This year I will be rucking in honor of Rickey E. Swaney who was killed in Vietnam in1969 at the age of 21. I will also have the name of Krystle Campbell who was killed during the Marathon Bombing 10 years ago this year. She worked with my wife before her death so I have also carried her name on my back each year I have completed the Ruck.
In addition, this year I will be helping as a volunteer photographer along the route so if you see me out there feel free to smile and say hello as I try to capture all of the great work that everyone is doing.