Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Brian Swick & Randy Myers
The All-American Rucks Team Honors the Fallen
Amid the morning mist of Northeast Ohio, a group of individuals moves forward with determined steps, their heavy rucksacks symbolizing both physical weight and the emotional burden they carry. These are the men and women of the All-American Rucks team, led by Brian Swick and Randy Myers. Their mission is simple yet profound: to honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Each ruck march they organize is more than a test of endurance; it is a moving tribute to the heroes who are no longer with us.
Among those forever etched in their hearts is their dear friend, and our 2025 Charles Kirby Wilcox Honoree, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kyle McKee, who lost his life in service to our nation. Kyle’s story fuels their passion and reminds every participant why they march—to ensure the names and legacies of fallen service members are never forgotten. The power of these marches lies not only in remembrance but also in unity. People from all walks of life join together, bound by a shared respect for our military and a desire to honor the sacrifices made. Veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star families, first responders, and civilians all walk side by side. Some carry personal tributes, like photos or dog tags; others share quiet conversations about loved ones they have lost. Each step forward represents resilience, healing, and the commitment to keeping memories alive.
“All American Rucks was created to give back to the heroes who sacrificed so much for us. We challenge individuals to push their mental and physical limits, proving they are stronger than they believe. Our mission is to honor Veterans and inspire resilience through every step,” said Brian Swick. “We strive to build a community rooted in growth and giving back. True growth comes from embracing discomfort, and we push ourselves physically to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us—because their courage deserves our commitment,” added Randy Myers.
Brian and Randy understand that honoring the fallen means bringing people together to support the living. Their leadership has fostered a community where grief transforms into strength and where the weight of loss is shared by many shoulders. With each ruck, they prove that the legacy of those like Kyle McKee endures—not just in memorials or headstones, but in the footsteps of those who carry their stories forward.
Through their partnership with organizations like NEOPAT, the All-American Rucks team continues to inspire and unite. Their marches serve as powerful reminders that the journey of a service member does not end with their final deployment. It lives on in the hearts of those who remember, honor, and walk forward together. As the team sets its sights on future rucks, their message remains clear: We march not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. We march to ensure that no sacrifice is ever forgotten and that every hero’s story is carried forward, step by step, mile by mile.
Sign up to join the next march on May 17th here: https://allamericanrucks.org/upcoming-events-2/
