Operation Iron Ruck kicks off in Montgomery

Two local veteran student organizations are doing their part to help curb an epidemic.

Student veterans from the University of Alabama and Auburn University joined Governor Kay Ivey Monday for the kickoff to Operation Iron Ruck.

Operation Iron Ruck is a three day, 151 mile journey that hopes to raise awareness and money for veteran suicide prevention. In 2021, 143 veterans lost their lives to suicide.

The journey will take place on the campus of Alabama and end in Auburn just in time for the Iron Bowl.

The student veterans’ rucksacks all contained 22 pounds of donated items. After the march, the items will then be donated to veterans organizations around the state.

Operation Iron Ruck kicks off in Montgomery./Source: WAKA Action 8 News