GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An upcoming event in West Michigan hopes to highlight the emotional and physical burdens many veterans carry years after serving.

The 30 by 30 Ruck will be held Friday, Sept. 27, at the Beechwood Church in Holland. Thirty veterans will carry a 30-pound rucksack for an hour each. It will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude the following day at 2 p.m.

Ben Terpsma, the organizer of the event, said the idea was generated with several reasons in mind.

“A good friend of mine Travis Snyder, a former Marine, had walked around Lake Michigan a number of times. ... Due to some of his obligations, he wasn’t able to do it this year,” Terpsma said.

Instead, the two came up with a walk that could help local communities bond a bit more with veterans.

“Through the course of talki

See Full Page