OPERATION IRON RUCK
Operation Iron Ruck (OIR) is an annual event hosted by the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) and the University of Alabama Student Veterans of America (SVA) to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention. As the state of Alabama has one of the nation’s highest veteran suicide rates, OIR seeks to increase the public’s knowledge on this issue while uniting veterans with the community, funding charities, championing veteran suicide education and supporting local veteran organizations.
The Veteran Population is Battling The Epidemic That Is Veteran Suicide.
151 Mile Ruck
In 2018, Operation Iron Ruck was founded when veteran students from Auburn University and the University of Alabama decided they wanted to help their fellow veterans. Each Iron Bowl since, student veterans, veteran alumni and ROTC from both Auburn and Alabama embark on a 151-mile ruck starting at the away team’s stadium and ending at the home team’s stadium. The ruckers also carry the game ball to the home team’s stadium ahead of each Iron Bowl.
Veterans Supporting Veterans
Operation Iron Ruck is tough, it’s veterans standing alongside veterans in their struggles. This event is raising awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic while also giving veterans the opportunity to create a community and connect with other veterans. Being around people who’ve had different experiences but share the same bond of being a veteran has transformed lives. Operation Iron Ruck has evolved into a major community event with numerous sponsors and hundreds of participants and volunteers.
2026
Fundraising Goal
$75,000
In the days preceding the Iron Bowl, student veterans from The University of Alabama Student Veterans of America and Auburn Student Veterans Association will lay the Iron Bowl rivalry aside and together ruck the Iron Bowl game ball from the visiting team’s stadium to the home team’s stadium.
Who Can Participate in Operation Iron Ruck?
We encourage anyone to walk the 151-mile awareness campaign alongside us, however, because we have limited van space and supplies, we give priority to student veterans/veterans. To learn more about participating in this year’s OIR, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or join our practice rucks.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to be involved in this year’s Operation Iron Ruck as a volunteer, please review the below volunteer opportunities. We rely on volunteers to make Operation Iron Ruck possible.
Participant and Volunteer Sign-Up
Watch the Operation Iron Ruck Video That Appeared On ESPN.
COUNTDOWN TO OPERATION IRON RUCK
University of Alabama Student Veterans of America
At the University of Alabama, the Student Veterans of America will provide a support network for veterans, dependents and survivors; a social experience that builds on the bonds forged during service; and a voice that advocates for the military community.
Auburn University Student Veterans Association
Established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) serves as a beacon for military veterans transitioning into academic life at Auburn University. Drawing strength from the principles of military culture, ASVA’s main mission is to bridge the gap between military service and the pursuit of higher education.
ASVA was born out of a distinct “why” – to serve as the nexus for military veterans as they navigate their new life at Auburn University. The essence of our existence revolves around two main points: fostering academic achievement and promoting integration into the Auburn community.
Operation Iron Ruck
Student Veterans
of America
cva.ualabama@gmail.com
205-233-1890
