Building Community: Operation Iron Ruck 2025

November 26, 2025 1 min read
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The eighth annual Operation Iron Ruck started at the Walk of Champions at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 26. The goal of the annual event is to help end veteran suicide by raising awareness, building community and providing a support structure for veterans throughout Alabama.

view of the crowd outside of Bryant-Denny stadium for the kickoff of the eighth annual operation iron ruck
Operation Iron Ruck kicked off its eighth year at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
three iron ruck participants smile while having a photo taken
Members of The University of Alabama Student Veterans Association and Auburn University Student Veterans Association are marching together to bring awareness to veteran suicide.
an american flag bandana tied to a ruck sack
Each participant will carry 22 pounds of donated materials and 22 nameless dog tags to remember the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.
Drew Lufkin addresses the crowd
Drew Lufkin, ruck coordinator for Operation Iron Ruck, sets the tone for the march.
four ruckers smile for the camera in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium
More than 160 are participating in this year’s ruck. 
a label on a rucksack says "in honor and memory of lieutenant colonel Brett Stork Hart
The goal of the annual event is to help end veteran suicide by raising awareness, building community and providing a support structure for veterans throughout Alabama.
Andre Newby
Andrew Newby, director of UA Veteran and Military Affairs, wishes the ruckers well.
the iron ruck crowd departs on the walk of champions
During the three-day trip, each student veteran will hike approximately 50 miles and walk for 2.5 hours, resting for about five hours, then resuming the next leg of the hike.
a veteran holds a football at the operation iron ruck kickoff
The group will also deliver a ceremonial game ball to the coin toss of the Iron Bowl. 
closeup on a rucker wearing a football helmet that days "operation Iron Ruck"
The goal of the annual event is to help end veteran suicide by raising awareness, building community and providing a support structure for veterans throughout Alabama.