Veterans Connection 08/28/2025

“Did you know we lose 22 brothers and sisters each day to suicide?”  That was the question that spurred four Army veterans to come together and answer with, "What are we going to do about it?"  On 22 October 2016, the first RuckUp22 event was held in Dayton Ohio, just outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  The inaugural event was a 22-mile ruck, carrying 22 pounds and cost just $22.  All proceeds went to The Battle Buddy Foundation.  The ruckup was such a success, that the event continues to this day.

Come join RuckUp22 for their annual event. Starting at Kyle Park in Tipp City and following the Great Miami bike Trail. Relief Stations every 5–6 miles, up to 22 miles.

The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) funded a flight for 101 year-old veteran John Preklas in a B-25 bomber. In World War II Preklas served as a flight engineer and gunner.

The flight took off from the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana, Ohio and flew over Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

“It was an experience that they're living in and can experience, you know, what happened over 80 years ago. It brings back some memories. It was just routine. You know you hear those things when he locks brakes and it goes through the checkout, revving his engines up, the plane shakes and shakes around," reminisced Preklas.

Walmart Covers NVBDC Certification Costs for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Walmart has partnered with the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) to cover the certification costs for Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses (SD/VOB).

If your business is not already certified, you should take advantage of this deal. Certified businesses receive access to corporate supplier procurement programs, increased business opportunities, and additional networking and education opportunities.

Offer only applies to new certifications and does not apply to renewals.