Members of Operation UNIFIER’s United Kingdom Training Element raise funds for Wounded Warriors Canada through a Ruck for Remembrance event

January 27, 2024 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:30

Caption

In preparation for Ruck for Remembrance, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces carefully verifies the weight of his rucksack to ensure it aligns with the standard load limit of 22 kilograms. This standardized weight guideline is implemented to minimize the risk of injury caused by carrying excessive loads, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the personnel during the event at Operation UNIFIER - United Kingdom Training Element, on November 06, 2024.
Photo credit: Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

By Captain Jamie Blois, Public Affairs Officer

Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on Operation UNIFIER’s United Kingdom Training Element (UKTE), who provide basic recruit training for Armed Forces of Ukraine members, took a moment to come together on 6 November 2024 and exercise as a team and for a good cause.

The Ruck for Remembrance challenge issued by Wounded Warriors Canada involves a 22-kilometer march with 22 kilograms of weight in the ruck sack which signifies the 22 American military veterans who die by suicide every day, as indicated in a study done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The rucksack, which partially distributes weight on one’s shoulders, has also been paralleled to the metaphorical weight people who deal with mental health issues carry around.

“As a member of the Canadian Army, it is an unfortunate and unavoidable reality that eventually your life will be impacted by suicide”, stated Officer Commanding UKTE, Major Colton Morris. “In 2021, one of the soldiers who I had the pleasure of working alongside when I was a Platoon Commander made an attempt on his own life. Fortunately, God intervened and the bullet wasn’t fatal.” He continues, “I participate in the Ruck for Remembrance not just because I believe in Wounded Warriors Canada’s mission, but it’s also a visible show of solidarity with those of us who are struggling. I know that this event not only supports veterans and their families, but creates the opportunity for old friends to reconnect and helps prevent suicides by creating a sense of community that a lot of our veterans have found lacking since leaving the service.”

Caption

Canadian Armed Forces members from Operation Unifier embark on a challenging 22-kilometer journey as part of the Ruck for Remembrance event. This rucksack march was created to unite communities around a shared mission: raising awareness and funds to support Canadian military personnel, first responders, and their families who face service-related challenges daily. Through this march, participants honor the dedication and sacrifices made by these individuals while fostering a sense of solidarity and support within their communities at Operation UNIFIER – United Kingdom Training Element, on November 06, 2024.
Photo credit: Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Of the $3,420 raised as part of this event, Master-Corporal Carson Wright, of 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, originally from White Rock, BC, went above and beyond, generating 85% of the total, or $2,920. He cites that it was a team effort that led to his success because he “… reached out to family and friends to sponsor me. Originally, I didn’t expect many people to donate but my mother Carmel Joy did an amazing job reaching out to everyone and managed to gather donations from people I haven’t seen or talked to in years. As well as my brother Hunter Wright and step father Robert Schlace both firefighters reached out to their colleges in their fire halls.”

While the event is aimed to support wounded warriors with mental health challenges, Carson cites his specific inspiration to participate in the Ruck for Remembrance in the memory of Private Steven Allen who died from the results of a training accident on 6 November 2014, exactly 10 years prior to this event. In his memory he ended the 22-kilometers march with 22 pushups, 22 squats, and 22 should presses, all with his ruck.