Troy fraternity spends Spring Break on annual 128.3 mile walk for veterans

You may think of Spring Break as a way for college kids to go blow off steam during a break from long days of classes and projects. But for one fraternity from Troy, their trip to the beach wasn’t just about themselves.

The Alpha Tau Omega chapter at Troy wrapped up its annual Walk Hard event last week which saw 36 people walk from Troy to Panama City Beach. And while making the trip, the fraternity raised awareness and money for a wounded warriors program.

“Because we believe in this cause, we dedicate our Spring Break to walk 128.3 miles from Troy University to Pier Park in Panama City Beach, to raise awareness and funds for the healing of the brave ones who fight to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.”

~ The fraternity states on its Walk Hard website

It was an adventure for the entire fraternity. One that begins well before they hit the road.

The Prep

This was the 15th year ATO has done the Walk Hard campaign so it’s something the chapter has become accustomed to. And with that experience comes better planning and organization.

2024 director Nick Marshall said the walk is something everyone in the fraternity expect and look forward to. The planning for each walk begins in August, almost a full year before Spring Break. Things really start turning up once the new year begins.

• Weekly meetings beginning in January
• Get medical advice on proper stretching, hydration, and more
• 12-mile practice walk less than a month before the big day

The Walk

The 36 walkers left Troy at the start of Spring Break and prepared to walk the 128.3 miles over the course of seven days. They made six stops on their way to Panama City Beach.

The fraternity has its own support staff of 16 people who walked in the past. Their job is to keep an eye on the people walking the entire way. They’ll be in cars while also providing water, food, and even some extra energy whenever its needed.

The group also works with local first responders, getting assistance from Alabama State Troopers and local ambulance service to be on scene if needed. Marshall said one person did need to receive medical treatment this year but because the group was prepared, that treatment came quickly and the person was able to recover.

Walkers would go at their own pace, sometimes walking next to others in the group before all stopping in the same place for the night.

The Cause

At the end of the walk, the fraternity provided a check of $105,000 to Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures. The organization is a ministry offering opportunities in hunting, fishing, and fellowship to veterans and combat wounded military personnel and their families. 

Marshall said the fraternity does the walk to do their part in bringing a sense of comfort back to veterans who have served. Along the way, the group has veterans speak to the group every night to remind them why they are walking.

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