Tuscaloosa and Auburn Veteran Students Join Forces to Raise Awareness of Suicide

Students from the University of Alabama and Auburn University will march across the state in an event to raise awareness for veteran suicide.

The fifth annual Operation Iron Ruck kicks off Wednesday and will run through Saturday, ending before the start of the annual Iron Bowl matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers.

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According to a UA news release, the Crimson Legion, UA's student veteran group, along with the Student Veterans Association from Auburn will begin the walk in Auburn and will conclude in Tuscaloosa.

The release states the journey is 151 miles, during which each student veteran will hike for approximately 50 miles and walk for two and a half hours before loading into a support vehicle for about five hours of rest before their next hike.

Tiffany Laurie, president of UA's Crimson Legion, said the the goal of Operation Iron Ruck "is to set aside the rivalry between the two universities and promote camaraderie among student veterans while giving back to veterans around the state."

"Almost every veteran and service member’s life has been touched by veteran suicide at some point," Laurie said in the release.

The release states the students will carry donated items while participating in the event, which will be delivered to veteran organizations, including the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, Mission 22, Tuskegee Veterans Assisted Living Centers, and Three Hots and a Cot.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on Iron Bowl event happening throughout the state.