Jun 4, 2025
POWER Remembers Those We’ve Lost with Memorial Day Ruck Marches Across the Country
For Memorial Day, POWER’s annual Ruck March honors the selfless men and women we’ve lost in service. What was once a small event in our Tampa office, is now an annual tradition hosted in every one of POWER’s 23 territories, showing our support for those we’ve lost, as well as our POWER veteran community.
Read on to learn more about how POWER observes the day of remembrance.
What is a Ruck March?
Within the military community, a Ruck March is known as a training exercise that involves carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. The training is designed to test physical endurance, stamina, and mental fortitude in order to prepare military members for combat or deployment.
Outside of military training, Ruck Marches have also been held to remember the service men who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Those participating in these marches or multi-mile walks will typically wear weighted vests, backpacks, or other military gear to signify the weight of our military service members who fought for our country.
POWER’s First “Ruck”
It all started in Tampa in 2022. Director of People Development and Marine Corps. Veteran, David Lopez, is the man behind the March.David started the event by rallying the veterans, military spouses, and inspired civilians of the Tampa office to recognize Memorial Day in a more meaningful way.
“We started the Ruck Marches in Tampa in 2022 as a way to remind everyone that Memorial Day was more than just a day off. Specifically, it is a day to honor those individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and this country”, said Lopez. “In addition, Memorial Day can be a difficult day for some of the veterans and veteran spouses in the business. Rather than spending it alone in our thoughts, we wanted to provide our community with a place to come together and celebrate those lives.”
From One Territory to All
In 2024, Lopez and POWER’s Military Affairs team wanted to spread the impact that this event had on the Tampa office. They called in special forces, and were able to expand the Rucks into 12 of POWER’s operating territories. Some offices had as many as 100 or more participants, inviting significant others, parents, children, and friends to join in on the meaningful event.
Each March was lead by a member of ”Power Veterans” — the company’s affinity group for veterans, military spouses, and inspired civilians.
In 2025, the event grew even more. Lopez teamed up with Power Veterans Committee (Matt Ayala, Nick Rocha, and Kaylee Hawkins who took the helm of this event and carried it out nationwide — a vision Lopez had since the event’s inception. This year, all 23 of POWER’s territory offices — from more established offices to the company’s newest office in Cincinnati — hosted their own Ruck March, rallying employees and their families together and building stronger bonds.
The Meaning Behind the March
Employees gather in a scenic location in their city and march with one another, showing their gratitude for those we’ve lost, and supporting fellow teammates on day that may be difficult for them to face.
“Last year when I was asked what the future of this event looks like, I said that ‘I hope that one day every single territory across POWER is CHOOSING to spend their day off by starting it with remembrance.’ And it’s amazing to see that become a reality this year. Every one of our territories chose to participate — chose to spend this day in a more meaningful way,” stated Lopez. “And yes, we still should have our BBQs, beach trips, and fireworks, because those we lost wouldn’t want us to mourn. However, we should still honor, recognize, and remember WHY we get to enjoy this day off.”
We deeply thank all service men and women who risked their lives so that we could live ours. We remember them not only on Memorial Day, but every day.
If you’re a transitioning service member looking for a fulfilling career and supportive community, check out our open positions here.
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