Troy University fraternity begins annual walk to help veterans

Members of Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity set off on their annual Walk Hard fundraising journey, Friday, March 13, 2026 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

Members of a Troy University fraternity use their spring break each year to raise money to support veterans.

Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers gathered on the university quad this morning before setting off on their 2026 Walk Hard fundraiser.

Troy’s ATO chapter is sending a record 44 brothers on a 128-mile journey to Panama City Beach, Florida. They aim to raise  $150,000 for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures.

The first day will be the longest segment of the walk, covering 28 miles to the outskirts of Enterprise. From there, the walkers will average about 25 miles per day through Wednesday, March 18, when they are scheduled to arrive at Pier Park at the beach.

To date, the fraternity has raised about $840,000, and this year the walkers could reach a long-awaited milestone if they reach their $150,000 fundraising goal. That would put them above $1 million.

“I mean, it’s pretty tough,” ATO brother Landon Evans told Action 8 News as he makes his fourth walk to the beach. “Just seeing people that come out here and support you and love and care for you, I want to see you make it through and do what you can for these veterans, it means a whole lot.”

Cody Jones, a wounded veteran from Florida, says the support helps people like him and countless others.

“It helps to where we are able to get out, still able to do things and have fun outside, be able to go hunt, fish, do the things we enjoy doing beforehand as well as being able to see the people that support that cause and make sure it continues to happen,” Jones said.

Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures gives veterans the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities despite the disabilities they may face.