Polk County VFW observes Memorial Day with 5-mile food-donation ruck march

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRE) – VFW Post 8568 in Livingston held a five-mile ruck march in the rain Monday, honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

“Rucking’s just another thing we do. A little rain no problem, just something we deal with all the time,” Army veteran Jonathon Swilley said.

Swilley said the conditions were normal, as he’s familiar with the military exercise.

Even for first timers like David Deaville, the rain was nothing he couldn’t handle. Deaville learned about the march from his pastor. He said he’s leaving for the Army in Aug. and thought it would be a good way for him to remember those before him.

“To be honest I didn’t think I was going to make it, because I’ve never done a five mile walk before. The people in front of me were motivating, singing cadences. It made me want to join even more,” Deaville said.

Marching alongside them were many others carrying bags of non-perishable foods and toiletries to donate to the Center of Hope in Livingston, something they’ve done every Memorial Day for the past three years.

This was their fourth ruck march. The first year, they marched to city hall. Tony Swilley, the post’s commander, said they decided to give the event an extra purpose after the first march.

“If we’re going to do this every year, let’s find an organization that we can help and raise money for them. The Center of Hope does so much for this community, so we decided to help them out every year,” Swilley said.

This year, they donated many items and raised about $1,400 for the center. Organizers said it’s a way for them to continue serving their community.

“It’s not just the groceries; they packed in food and $1,400 dollars goes a long way at the Center of Hope,” Mike Fortney with the Center of Hope said.

He said they serve 750 to 1,000 families a month with their pantry. He said the money they receive goes into buying food from the East Texas Food Bank.

“The community is really a life source for us,” Fortney said.

For those who made that five-mile trip, it was just one way they could honor the fallen.

“It was to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, who’ve given their lives so we can live the life we live,” Swilley said.

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