It's time for the beautiful beaches of Jacksonville for the Florida4warriors silkies ruck 2024.
Now, this is not your normal ruck, it is geared to allow plenty of time for camaraderie, not an athletic event. All our Rucks are between 10-14 miles, with a 2-3 miles per hour pace. Of course, we DO NOT ruck this straight through, and there will be frequent stops for bathrooms, food/beverages, and some shenanigans! We will have food, snacks, waters, Gatorades, drinks, and supplies being donated for the entire ruck, right up to dinner and drinks at the end!! Plan to stay a few hours for after party. We do not have a set uniform of the day, but of course silkies, your best americano wear, boots, and ruck sacks are encouraged. Most will have weight in their rucks as well.
The mission of the Silkies Ruck Hike is to bring veterans and frontline first responders together in an environment where they can bond with other and create a support network to prevent suicide. What most do not understand is that Veterans and this type of first responders operate differently than others when it comes to emotional situations, and most turn to humor and camaraderie as a coping mechanism. With the ruck we add humor to the mix; veterans hike wearing only their combat boots and “silkies,” minuscule, green physical training shorts made famous by the Marines. It is in this atmosphere the bonds and support can be developed. This is what the purpose of the Silkies Rucks are.
THINGS TO BRING:
ID - we will be checking IDs in order to be served at the bars.
WATER - we will have water on our support vehicles, but you are encouraged to have your own as well.
CASH - we are asking everyone to pay cash at the stops - this will help get faster service and for tipping.
Snacks - Nuts, bars, food that will fuel you throughout the day.
Sunblock and Head Gear
SILKIES, BOOTS, AND RUCKS - attire and footwear are totally up to the participant and rucks/weight is optional.
FLAGS - Patriotic, unit, branch, (NO political or religious flags will be allowed)
Face Mask
Eye Pro - Sunglasses, goggles
Vaseline, Band-Aids, Moleskin etc
Extra socks – The distance may take a toll on your feet.
Tylenol or Motrin. but seriously Tylenol for the hangover.
Silkies Safety Brief:
THE ACTUAL HIKE ITSELF IS FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, NATIONAL GUARD, RESERVISTS, FIRE RESCUE, and LEO.
• It is imperative that we stay to the sidewalks when permitted, do not block traffic or jump in front of cars.
• Public drinking is illegal - there we said it.
• Open Liquor containers MUST be in a plastic cup on the hike (NO GLASS).
Pace your drinking!!! It will be hot, and alcohol has a more powerful affect! Please be advised if you are visibly drunk, we will put you in a vehicle for a few stops, we cannot have public intoxication!!
• THE ACTUAL HIKE ITSELF IS FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, NATIONAL GUARD, RESERVISTS, FIRE RESCUE, and LEO, please help and join us at stops if you do not fall under one of these.
• NO STROLLERS/CHILDREN on the hike.
• Please civilians DO NOT follow hikers. Meet at stops so we have no traffic issues.
• SERVICE DOGS ARE ENCOURAGED TO STAY HOME DUE TO THE HEAT. NO OTHER PETS ALLOWED!
• Please be respectful of the bars, other patrons, and the city so we are asked back in the future.
• Don’t bring any weapons, weapon accessories, magazines, ammo, flash bangs, grenades, nuclear devices, WMDs or other illegal arms. We will be going into public venues, so even if you are licensed for concealed carry - leave it.
• To avoid throat punching liberal hippies please try to avoid engaging people in matters about politics, and the military that will end in us getting kicked out and arrested.
• YOU MUST be wearing the F4W wrist bracelet that you will receive at registration - this includes volunteers and drivers as well as participants
DOs:
Do "check-in" on Facebook as we progress through the hike.
Do whatever it takes to help a fellow vet out.
Do mumble the words "I love you" to a bunch of dudes/dudettes you've never met.
DO bring moto shirts and everything you own that is red, white, and blue or a F4W shirt!!
UOD:
• Marines: Green/Black silkies/Body/face paint/Desert/combat boots.
• Sailors: Green/blue/black silkies/ Body/face paint/Desert/combat boots
• Soldiers: Green/black silkies/Body/face paint/Banana hammocks/Desert/combat boots - You can leave the gay reflective army belts at home...oh and the berets too.
• Airmen: Green/blue/black/pink silkies/Body/face paint/Desert/combat boots...remember there is no air conditioning during the march because it's happening "outside" lol.
• Coasties: Turqoise/aquamarine/pink silkies with dolphin caricatures/Body/face paint/Desert/combat boots -Prepare to hear Coastie jokes from your Navy brethren for the entirety of the march
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