Step Up for Valor
Every step tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and community.
Just weeks after returning from his fourth overseas deployment, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Charles Sanders led dozens of North Fork residents on an annual 22-mile walk honoring fallen service members and raising awareness about veteran suicide. The Walk4Valor event, organized by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, drew veterans, students, firefighters and community volunteers, stopping at firehouses, American Legion halls, Greenport's Sterling Cemetery, and Goldsmith's Boat Shop along the way. northforksunnorthforksun
The walk centers on a sobering statistic: roughly 22 veterans and service members die by suicide each day on average. But organizers also highlighted the growing youth turnout, with many teenagers completing the full route and even taking turns carrying the American flag.
Sanders used the day to share lessons on resilience, encouraging young participants to see life's hardships as obstacles to overcome rather than permanent setbacks — a message rooted in his own return home after his most demanding deployment yet.
Thank you for joining us!
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Southold, NY
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Together, we can honor their legacy and pave the way for future generations. Let’s make every step count.
Thank you for stepping up for valor and making a difference in the lives of our heroes and their families.
Why Support the Walk4Valor?
Your participation in the Ruck helps us:
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Support Scholarships: Provide educational opportunities for veterans and their families.
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Honor Heroes: Celebrate the sacrifices and courage of those who have served our nation.
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Build Community: Unite individuals who share a commitment to honoring and empowering our heroes.
This isn’t just a ruck; it’s a movement to honor valor and invest in a brighter future.