- December 13, 2025
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Kurt Gies, the founder of Challenge 22, left, led the walk.
United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, was presented a flag in honor of his friend Oscar McClure, who died while serving.
Richard Gadomski played taps.
A Gymnastics USA Climber struck a pose during her performance.
Gymnastics USA Climbers dazzled the crowd with various aerial stunts.
Kurt Gies, the founder of Challenge 22 in Winter Garden, thanked everyone for participating in the walk.
Sid Kamzura, Bud Johns and Richard Gadomski presented the colors.
Retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen stood tall during the national anthem.
John Marsack, who served as a Navy deep sea diver from 1994 to 2017, shared the meaning of each item on the POW table.
Sea Cadets Aiden Chang, Tim Twardowski and Rylan Chang pointed to each item on the table as the items' meanings were described during the POW table ceremony.
Jimmy Smith, a veteran, served as the keynote speaker.
Honor Guard members Robert Amos and Enrique Alvarez presented an American flag.
After diligently folding an American flag, Honor Guard members Robert Amos and Enrique Alvarez presented it to Challenge 22 founder Kurt Gies.
United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner started to become emotional while receiving a flag in honor of his friend Oscar McClure, whom he watched go down in his plane, from Challenge 22 founder Kurt Gies.
Gymnastics USA Climbers hung from each other and struck poses.
Leon T. Klinger shot off a few rounds as part of the rifle volley.
Gymnastics USA Climbers mirrored each other.
Honor Guard members put their rifles down after the rifle volley.
Mike Winslow demonstrated how to do a pushup before dozens of people did 22 pushups as a warm up to the walk.
Dozens completed 22 pushups.
Grace Pressoir and Kate and Jim Swenson were ready to walk.
Austin Arthur, his wife, Kellie Arthur, and children, David and RaeLynn, were all smiles supporting Challenge 22.
Austin Arthur, a Challenge 22 board member, thanked everyone for participating and supporting the nonprofit.
Gymnastics USA Climbers amazed the crowd.
Amelia Hanks sang the national anthem, which she has been doing at the Challenge 22 Ruck Walk since it started nine years ago when she was 14.
Dozens of people did pushups as a warm up to the walk.
Eric Martinez, a Navy veteran, found resources that helped him when he attended last year's Challenge 22 Ruck Walk. He wanted to pay it forward by bringing a friend to this year's event.
Members of West Orange High School's JROTC program were all smiles before the walk.
Joe Nunes and Polly Nunes were proud to represent the Navy. Joe Nunes served in the Navy for 20 years.
A Gymnastics USA Climber amazed the crowd as she struck poses while hanging from a cube.
Supporters of Challenge 22 walked with pride.
Members of the Winter Garden VFW participated in the ruck walk.
Windermere Town Council member Tony Davit, who is a veteran, walked with his dog for the first time in the Challenge 22 Ruck Walk.
Dozens of students from various JROTC programs participated in the event.
The ruck walk culminated with veteran Mel Jenner, left, being driven in a golf cart with someone who donated money to be able to have the honor of riding with Jenner.
Eric Martinez first participated in the annual Challenge 22 Ruck Walk last year.
He served in the Navy from 1991 to 2002, and he needed help as a civilian.
He said he learned about SOF Missions, a nonprofit that provides resources and assistance for veterans struggling with PTSD and challenges from their military service, while participating in the ruck walk.
"That started my journey of recovery," Martinez said. "I always thought there was no help for people like me because I was on a Navy ship, but I was able to get that help here."
At the ninth annual Challenge 22 Ruck Walk Saturday, Nov. 15, Martinez brought a friend and fellow veterans so he could receive the same resources that helped him.
That's the mission of the Challenge 22 Ruck Walk. Provide resources to veterans with the goal of ending veteran suicides.
At this year's walk, Kurt Gies, the founder of the Winter Garden nonprofit, as well as board member Austin Arthur thanked everyone for attending.
Amelia Hanks continued the tradition of singing the national anthem, which she started doing at the ruck walk nine years ago at 14 years old.
Sea cadets assisted with the POW table ceremony, and the keynote speaker was Jimmy Smith.
United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, was honored with a presentation of an American flag and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" as he celebrated his 103rd birthday this year.
