Ruck Toolkit

Thank you for interest in hosting a fundraiser for Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. All funds you raise will go to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the nonprofit organization designated by Congress to plan, fund, and build the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The Foundation regularly holds “Ruck the Reserve” events on the National Mall that mirror military-style ruck marches to raise awareness about the future Memorial. During these rucks, veterans often share their experiences in the war, or family members of the fallen will share about their loved ones. 

As you walk, we encourage you to reflect on how the ongoing Global War on Terrorism has affected you, your loved ones, our Country, and the World. 

Use your walk as a time to reflect, discuss, and/or appreciate the uniformed and non-uniformed service members who have stepped up to defend our Country in the GWOT for more than two decades and their family members. We have shared some prompts that may help guide your conversation: 

  • How have you been personally impacted by the GWOT?
  • Do you know someone who has served or is part of a military family? 
  • The Global War on Terrorism Memorial will be an inclusive place where all Americans can honor, heal, be empowered, and unite surrounding this multi-generational conflict. Why do you feel that is important?

What Else You’ll Need To Get Started:

  • Choose your route: Plan where and how long you want your ruck to be in your community.
  • Recruit volunteers (optional): If you need help with planning, registration, cheering on participants, or setting up the venue, enlist some volunteers to support.
  • Invite participants: Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to join you for your Ruck. (We’ve provided some promotional materials to help get you started below.
  • Method to collect donations: Decide how you wish to fundraise. Options include:
  • Participants pay a fee to take part in the event 
  • Participants solicit pledges from supporters to raise funds
  • And/or participants can donate and your group can make one collective pledge

Don’t forget to share your experience with us. We hope you’ll share your invitations and pictures of your ruck on social media and tag us @GWOTMF. We may share them on our social channels!

If you have questions or are organizing a ruck on behalf of your organization and need any additional support, please contact [INSERT].

Thank you again for your support of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation!

Promotional Materials

We invite you to use the below content to promote your events.

Template Social Media and Flyer:

PLACEHOLDER

About the Global War on Terrorism Stat Graphics:

Click here to learn more

Logos:

GWOTMF Site Video: Click here to learn more

Megan Taylor Gold Star Child Fellow Video: Need a YouTube link