Ruck to The Tun: Honoring 250 Years of the Marine Corps

Ruck to The Tun: Honoring 250 Years of the Marine Corps

This November, in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, we’re embarking on a powerful journey — a ruck march from the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington, D.C. to Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA, the birthplace of the Marine Corps.

This 150+ mile trek is more than a physical challenge. It’s a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Marines past and present. Along the way, we’ll carry not just our gear, but the stories of service members who lived with character and led with purpose — the very values championed by the Travis Manion Foundation.

Why We Ruck

We ruck to remember.
We ruck to honor.
We ruck to inspire.

Our Goal is $10,000 to signify 250 years of Marine Corps Greatness. Every step we take supports the Travis Manion Foundation’s mission to empower veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. TMF programs help communities across the country build resilience, leadership, and purpose — values that echo the spirit of the Marine Corps.

How You Can Help

Your donation fuels more than our journey — it fuels a movement. By supporting this ruck, you’re helping TMF expand its reach, impact more lives, and ensure that the legacy of service continues for generations to come.

Whether you’re a Marine, a veteran, a patriot, or simply someone who believes in the power of character, we invite you to stand with us.

Donate today. Honor the legacy. Celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps.

It all started in a Tavern:

On November 10, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Captain Samuel Nicholas began recruiting the first Continental Marines — launching what would become one of the most storied fighting forces in history: the United States Marine Corps. With exactly one month until November 10th, myself and a few other motivators are setting off on a mission to honor our beloved Corps.

How the idea took shape:

Last year, my Marine Corps buddy Dale Wetherill called me with an idea: “Let’s ruck from the Iwo Jima Monument in D.C. to Tun Tavern in Philly for the 250th birthday of the Corps.” I told him it was the most Marine Corps idea I’d ever heard — it sounded terrible, which meant I was absolutely in. And just like that, the planning began.
It’s a tribute to 250 years of grit, history, and brotherhood. But this is more than just miles on a map. It’s a living tribute to the warriors who’ve come before us, a challenge to push ourselves physically and mentally, and a chance to connect with others who share a deep respect for service and sacrifice.

We’d love your support to help us hit our goal. Together, we can honor the legacy, embrace the challenge, and make a lasting impact — one step, one story, and one donation at a time. Semper Fi.