- December 4, 2025
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Navy Cmdr. Kristin Leone and Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Bycroft said it's great to be a part of the Horizon West American Legion.
Nate Simms, Brigitte Simms and Oliver Stancill were ready to participate. "I love running and I love the Marine Corps," Nate Simms said. "I'll get to get a good run in with good people."
Alan Adams, the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 commander, welcomed people to the Be the One Ruck and shared the mission of the run/walk.
Dozens of veterans and community members gathered for the third annual Be the One Ruck.
Francesca Tarantino sang the national anthem.
Alan Adams, the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 commander, saluted during the national anthem.
And they're off! The 5K runners started the race.
The ruck participants lined up at the start.
Horizon West American Legion Post 419 Commander Alan Adams, Amy Trevino and Ed Dennison carried flags as they walked in the ruck.
Ruck participants started their 2.2-mile walk.
Luke Smith finished his race with a smile and a thumbs up. "It was great," he said of the race. "It was beautiful weather, and we were all running for a great cause."
Bethany Eller, the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 first-vice commander, handed a medal to William Bettis. "It felt great to run in this beautiful weather and be with all the veterans for a good cause," Bettis said.
Fernando Leme and Maira Manley were all smiles after completing the 5K.
Flags from each military branch waved in the slight breeze.
Windermere High School High School's Ethan Tasior finished his 5K strong and collected his medal.
Windermere High School High School's Ethan Tasior was the first runner to finish the Be the One Ruck. He has been working with the Horizon West American Legion on various projects to support the organization.
The medals showcased the emblems of each military branch and were designed by members of the Horizon West American Legion.
At least 50 medals were available for the Horizon West American Legion's Be the One Ruck.
Marithza Vargas, Nataszka Trevino and Will Franco
Bethany Eller, the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 first-vice commander, handed runners and walkers medals as they completed their 5K or 2.2-mile ruck.
She smiled looking at the medals, which featured the emblems for each of the military branches.
Veterans and community members came together at the third annual Horizon West American Legion's Be the One Ruck Saturday, Nov. 1, at Home State Brewing.
Whether they were running, walking or one of the veteran-owned businesses, everyone was there to support the Be the One cause, which works to end veteran suicides.
"Before you go to bed, 22 veterans will take their lives today," said Alan Adams, the post commander.
Eller said funds raised through the Be the One Ruck will go toward supporting veterans on an individual level.
"It's about being the one to make a different, being the one to save that one friend," she said.
