Veterans Haul Rucksacks to Raise Awareness of Mental Health Issues with Military Members

This is the 9th annual ruck in honor of the late Brady Oberg.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In 2015, combat veteran Brady Oberg died by suicide after struggling for years with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ever since, fellow veterans have organized rucks across North Dakota and Minnesota to highlight the importance of mental health for members of the military.

John Dalziel has been spearheading these rucks for almost a decade now, after serendipitously getting in contact with the parents of Brady Oberg.

He’ll be the first to tell you, even after the thousands of miles he’s walked, the emotion never goes away and the mission never becomes less important.

The 9th Annual Brady’s B2B Ruck took place from May 21st to the 23rd, with the Fargo-Moorhead installment concluding with a short memorial service at the National Cemetery.

“This is not just a cemetery. It is a hallowed ground. Every headstone here represents a life committed to something greater than themselves,” said Dalziel during the service.

He says the goal is simple – honor those who have been lost, ensure veterans know they are not alone, and keep the conversation surrounding veteran mental health and suicide prevention in the public eye.

It’s estimated 17 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that there are resources.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.