MEDIA BOOK APRIL 30, 2013 – MAY 16, 2013

FEATURES | SEEN & HEARD

FEATURES

ARKADELPHIA ON ROUTE OF CROSS-COUNTRY WALK FOR FALLEN SOLDIERS ARKADELPHIA, Ark. -- For many, Memorial Day is about a three-day weekend of relaxation. But some stand firm on the grounds that the holiday is a time to remember those who died serving their country's freedom and safety. Arkadelphia resident Lori Motl is one of those people, and she aims to spread the message and raise awareness of what Memorial Day is all about.

That's why she is active in Carry the Load.

The Carry The Load 2013 National Relay is coming to Clark County as a part of a 28-day, 2,000-mile national march to honor heroes who have fallen in the line of duty. Motl is urging the community to join the national march as it makes its way through Arkadelphia.

The walk began on April 30 in West Point, N.Y., and will continue to Dallas, Texas. The walk will be on Day 22 when it reaches Clark County.

The Arkadelphia leg will begin Wednesday, May 22, at 10 p.m. The night walk will begin at the Clark County Sale Barn on Highway 7 and proceed south. The walk will continue the next day in Hope. There is no cost to participate, but Motl is seeking donations for Carry the Load.

All money raised will benefit families of either fallen soldiers or fallen first responders.

Motl's cousin, Rob Reeves, was a Navy SEAL on SEAL Team 6 who died Aug. 6, 2011, in Afghanistan with 22 other SEALs on the helicopter they were on. In September, Motl attended a presentation honoring Reeves and the others on his team. During that presentation she learned of Carry the Load and became involved. When she was told the walk goes through Arkadelphia, she was sold on the program.

"We would just love to have as many people as possible come and walk with us," Motl said. "Just show up at the Sale Barn. There's no signup, no fee and you don't have to raise money to do it."

Motl has set a fundraising goal of $5,000.

For more information on how to donate to the Arkadelphia leg, visit Motl's Carry the Load page.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office will escort the procession for its 5-mile walk.

Sheriff Jason Watson said he is excited to have his office play a part in the walk. "I am honored to support the men and women who have paid the ultimate price to keep us safe and free," Watson said. "I think it's a great way to show that our community thanks soldiers and firefighters past, present and future that we thank them. I thank them not only as sheriff but also as a citizen, and I'm honored to be able to play a part in this walk."

The sheriff's office will also prepare treat/gift bags for the soldiers who walk.

SIFTINGSHERALD.COM JOE PHELPS MAY 16, 2013

SISTERS OF FALLEN SEALS 'CARRY THE LOAD' DALLAS — Jonas Kelsall and Rob Reeves were brothers in all but blood. They were childhood friends in Shreveport who went on to earn a place on Navy SEAL Team 6. They died together in Afghanistan in August, 2011. In a video at the service for Chief Petty Officer Reeves, mourners watched him grow from a little boy to a man. Reeves and Lt. Cmdr. Kelsall were among 30 Americans — including 22 SEALs — who were killed when insurgents shot down their helicopter. It remains the worst single loss of life in the Afghanistan war. Reeves' sister, Emily, is comforted that her little brother and Lt. Cmdr. Jonas Kelsall had each other at the very end. "It makes a huge difference to know he wasn't among strangers," she said. "He was among people who truly cared for him, and that he truly cared for." In August 2011, Emily Reeves attended funeral after funeral after funeral. "It's like, how much of this can you take as a person emotionally and physically, and know you're still trying to grieve for your own family member?" she asked. Her lifelong friend, Kim Kelsall, knows exactly how she feels. "I try to explain to people that grief takes up a lot of space inside in your mind and heart," she said. On Memorial Day last year — 10 months after losing her brother — Kelsall drove from Austin to Dallas to walk for hours with former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce, who had started a non-profit called Carry the Load. "Carry the load. You carry the person who can no longer be there because they lost their life," Kim Kelsall explained. "I carry my brother." As they walked, Kelsall said Bruce talked of Jonas' courage and joy, and her load began to lighten. "That... that makes me prideful," she said. "And pride takes up more space than grief. Those are the moments you can stop crying and smile, and think, 'Man, what an incredible human being.'" Kim Kelsall believes that so strongly that she helped organize a Carry the Load walk in Austin this Memorial Day weekend. Emily Reeves has become a Carry the Load Organizer in Arkansas. She's mobilizing marchers to take part in five-mile segments of a walking relay that started at West Point, and will end in Dallas on Memorial Day weekend. "What we're going to do is turn Memorial Day into memorial month," Emily Reeves said. "We are going to walk in their honor and carry of little of their load with us." Carry the Load has become a national movement. Up to 20,000 people are expected to participate in some way this year. It's also raising large amounts of money for charities that directly benefit the families of fallen service members and first responders, including police and firefighters. Emily Reeves and Kim Kelsall don't expect everyone to spend the holiday walking... just thinking about fellow Americans like Rob Reeves and Jonas Kelsall. Two kids who grew up and carried the load for the rest of us. E-mail jdouglas@wfaa.com

KVUE.COM JIM DOUGLAS

MAY 15, 2013

CARRY THE LOAD RELAY WILL PASS THROUGH NORTHWEST GEORGIA TODAY Carry The Load — a national relay to raise awareness of Memorial Day and its meaning — will pass through Northwest Georgia today and Thursday. The relay began April 30 in New York and will finish on Memorial Day in Dallas. A team of about six to eight participants and a tour bus are traveling the route, though anyone is encouraged to walk along. “It’s a 24/7 relay,” said Hunter Edwards, who rode a bicycle with the group in Virginia. “There’s always somebody on the go.” Edwards said many family members of fallen veterans join the relay when it passes by their area. Each walking leg is about five miles, and biking legs are 10. The movement has its beginnings in a former Navy Seal who felt many failed to recognize the significance of Memorial Day, Edwards said. He grabbed a rucksack and began hiking around a lake in honor of those who gave their lives while serving as soldiers, police officers, firefighters and first-responders. The relay has since grown into a 1,700-mile, 27-day event that hopes to raise $1 million. It’s already garnered about $161,000. Those who want to walk or bike along should meet the group at one of several locations today: λ 8 a.m. at Ga. 293 and Old River Road, Cartersville λ 10 a.m. at Ga. 293 and Grove Circle, Cartersville λ Noon at Cassville and Gaddis roads, Cartersville λ 2 p.m. at Joe Frank Harris Parkway N.W. and Old U.S. 41, Adairsville λ 4 p.m. at Joe Frank Harris Parkway and International Parkway, Adairsville λ 6 p.m. at South Wall Street and Flowers Road, Calhoun λ 8 p.m. at Sugar Valley Road and Woodridge Drive, Calhoun λ 10 p.m. at Hyde and Cline roads, Resaca The relay moves through Dalton and Ringgold Thursday before reaching Chattanooga.

RN-T.COM ALAN RIQUELMY

MARCH 15, 2013

BRINGING BACK THE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- She's been on THV11 before talking about everything to do with social media, but Emily Reeves joined THV 11 News Tuesday on a different mission. Reeves, director of digital innovation and research at Stone Ward, has introduced an event call Carry the Load, which is dedicated to bringing back the meaning of Memorial Day weekend. We often associate Memorial Day as almost a kick off bash for summertime, but do you know the real meaning of the holiday? Find out how you can get involved and learn how this event began by watching the video attached to this story. Facts about Carry the Load: • The mission of Carry The Load is to bring meaning to Memorial Day by honoring the sacrifices made by members of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families while serving our country and communities, by honoring those who have died or were wounded while Carrying The Load for their fellow Americans. • Carry The Load was created because Clint Bruce, who is originally from Arkansas and now lives in Dallas, and Stephen Holley, both Navy SEAL veterans, felt the loss of their comrades as casualties of war and the loss that those families' suffered weren't being sufficiently recognized on this national holiday when we are meant to take time out and honor those who protect the rest of us. • Carry The Load was started in 2011 with a 20-hour and 11 minutes walking event in Dallas, TX, then expanded in 2012 to include the National Relay. The Relay began in New York on April 30 and will end in Dallas on Memorial Day weekend with the 20-hour, 13-minute event. • Carry The Load has scaled participation each year. In 2011, the inaugural year, approximately 500 participants were involved in Dallas alone. In 2012, approximately 6,500 were involved on the National Relay and in Dallas. The goal of 2013 is to engage at least 10,000 participants while reaching the fundraising goal of $1,000,000. • Emily Reeves' brother, Robert James Reeves, was a Navy SEAL, on SEAL Team 6, who died on August 6, 2011 when the helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan. He was among 38 men, 22 of which were SEALs, that died when the helicopter crashed, making it the single largest loss of life for the SEALs in its history. Rob was passionate about his work and always considered his teammates as his own brothers and remembered them day-to-day, but especially on Memorial Day. It was important to him that those who fought for our safety and security and gave their lives be honored properly. • Carry The Load will be coming through Arkansas May 20-24 entering from Memphis at 6 PM on May 20 and exiting through Texarkana at 4 PM on May 24, with teams walking five-mile increments, 24-hours a day to complete the route. The North Little Rock portion of the route will begin on May 21 at 4 PM, and the Little Rock portion of the route will begin on May 21 at 8 PM on Riverfront Drive. • Anyone who wants to participate in, and/or donate to, the Carry The Load National Relay can do so by visiting www.carrytheload.org and clicking on the "National Relay" link. The entire route and fundraising for individual legs are hosted on that site.

TVH11.COM AMY HANCOCK

MAY 14, 2013

NEW GREEN CAMO PLATE BENEFITS TEXAS MILITARY VETERANS Community Report Some camo is for blending in; some is for standing out. Texans can stand out on the roads and show their support of military veterans with new Green Camo official Texas license plates available starting today atwww.myplates.com. My Plates donates 10 percent of the plate price to Carry the Load. Carry the Load is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring meaning to Memorial Day by honoring the sacrifices made by members of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families while serving our country and communities, especially those who have died or were wounded while carrying the load for their fellow Americans. “I am honored to be part of the Carry The Load movement in Austin and am excited that Texans will have the opportunity to support this worthwhile cause year round,” said First Lady Anita Perry. Governor Rick Perry says, “From helping veterans, to fighting cancer, to supporting your favorite university, it’s good that Texans have the opportunity to tailor their license plates to match their favorite cause.” Carry the Load Austin event host, Vol Montgomery, says, “Carry the Load started as a way to remind people of the significance of a single day, Memorial Day. The Green Camo Texas license plate can be an everyday reminder of that day and the service and sacrifice it represents.” Carry the Load Austin helps people celebrate a meaningful Memorial Day by conducting a 20.13-mile event that honors veterans and active duty service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families. Through event participation and sponsorship, Carry the Load Austin raises money to support local charities in Texas that support Texas veterans and their families. This year’s recipients are: Serve Who Serve, The Comfort Crew for Military Kids, Folds of Honor Foundation, and Heroes on the Water. As part of the launch of the Green Camo plate, Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, My Plates will donate $10 of every plate sold, not just Green Camo, to Carry the Load. Also, coming in June, watch for the Pink Camo plate that also benefits Carry the Load. Since November 2009, Texans have purchased more than 145,000 My Plates, putting more than $16.5 million in the general revenue fund, which helps pay for services for all Texans. For more information, visit www.myplates.com and www.carrytheload.org.

YOURHOUSTONNEWS.COM CYPRESS CREEK MIRROR

MAY 15, 2013

Klemchuk Kubasta Helps Community ‘Carry the Load’ Darin Klemchuk is leading a team during the 2013 Carry the Load Dallas 20-hour Walkathon

Our firm has always placed a high level of importance on continued community involvement,” said Klemchuk, himself a veteran. “There can sometimes be a disconnect between what Memorial Day means, and how it is observed. As managing partner of Klemchuk Kubasta LLP (KK LLP), a leading full-service intellectual property (IP) law firm, Darin Klemchuk is leading a team in the 2013 Carry the Load Dallas 20-hour Walkathon. The event, which takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, raises awareness and funds for organizations that aim to serve military heroes and their families. The complete Carry the Load campaign begins April 30 and ends on May 27, where participants will collectively trek from New York to Texas while carrying rucksacks, to raise money to benefit the Snowball Express, TAPS and Team RWB. The relay, which comprises nearly 2,000 miles, is divided into 348 legs with the final four legs coming through Dallas on May 26, the Sunday before Memorial Day. The Dallas-leg of the event will start at Reverchon Park on Sunday, May 26 at 3:30 p.m. and will end on Memorial Day. Klemchuk, as well as other members of the KK LLP team, are asking friends, family and colleagues to “put the Memorial back in Memorial Day” and remember, honor, and support American troops through participation in – and donation to – this event. “Our firm has always placed a high level of importance on continued community involvement,” said Klemchuk, himself a veteran. “There can sometimes be a disconnect between what Memorial Day means, and how it is observed. By participating in Carry the Load, we’re able to support the men and women who have selflessly made the biggest sacrifice in honor of our country and have given us our freedom and security. I am honored to walk alongside the other participants on a day of remembrance.” There are no entrance fees for this relay, and all donated funds will directly support military organizations. As of early May, Carry the Load has raised $147,819 toward its $1M goal. To sign up as a participant or to make a donation to Team Klemchuk, please visit the Team Klemchuk page. About Carry the Load Carry The Load is a registered 501(c)3 organization helping people celebrate a meaningful Memorial Day by organizing and conducting an event that honors and thanks veterans and active duty service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families for their sacrifices; and, through the event participation and sponsorship, raises money to support nonprofit organizations that help these groups and their families. About Klemchuk Kubasta LLP: Based in Dallas, Texas, Klemchuk Kubasta LLP is an IP boutique law firm that offers comprehensive intellectual property legal services, including litigation and enforcement of all forms of intellectual property as well as registration and licensing of patents, trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights. The Firm also provides legal services relating to domain names, e-commerce, privacy policies, social media, Internet law, commercial and business litigation, technology transactions, and international business & trade. Additional information about the firm and its attorneys may be found at http://www.kk-llp.com.

PR WEB.COM MAY 15, 2013

LA VERGNE IS READY TO 'CARRY THE LOAD' LA VERGNE – The city of La Vergne welcomes the national relay, Carry the Load, an initiative to unite Americans in a walk to honor those who have fallen in service to our country – veterans, service men and women, first responders, citizens and volunteers.

The walk, organized by the charity organization by the same name Carry The Load, encourages others to “carry the load” for those who have and those who can no longer.

Since departing West Point, N.Y., Carry the Load has been embraced by a supportive public, raising nearly $335,000 to date and welcoming more than 800 road warriors along the way.

The third New York City leg dispatched from the Horse Soldiers Memorial, located at Ground Zero, with Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, along with members of the New York City Fire Department and 9/11 family members, leading the way with mutually shared excitement to regain the meaning of Memorial Day.

Legion 231 of Carry the Load includes an extended overnight stop Friday, May 17, in La Vergne. The group will arrive at the U.S. Post Office between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., followed by a stop at La Vergne City Hall no later than 5:30 p.m.

“The message and mission of Carry the Load really hits home to me. My 86-year-old dad served in the South Pacific as a young sailor during World War II, and my 26-year-old son is a young U.S. Army Reserve soldier on active duty in Afghanistan. These veterans are walking from West Point to Dallas to remind us of the real meaning of Memorial Day,” La Vergne Police Chief Mike Walker said.

From La Vergne, Carry the Load will travel to Nashville on Saturday, May 18, as it heads to Dallas, where it is expected to arrive Memorial Day, May 27.

Citizens are encouraged to welcome the walkers by showing their patriotism – wearing red, white and blue and carrying American flags.

Parking will be available at businesses located along Murfreesboro Road and at La Vergne City Hall.

Additionally, residents can walk with the Carry the Load team by meeting on Lillian Buchanan Drive next to the U.S. Post Office anytime after 5:30 p.m.

From there, city officials, fire fighters, police, representatives of Rolling Thunder, and others will converge with the walkers passing through at approximately 6 p.m.

“It was such a huge honor last year to welcome Carry the Load as they passed through La Vergne," La Vergne Mayor Senna Mosley said. "We are absolutely elated that the city has been chosen again this year to host this courageous group of military personnel.

"Not only did they serve our country with dignity and care, but they continue to give back to the families of soldiers who were lost while fulfilling their duty to our great nation. I am humbled to walk with them as they come through La Vergne.”

MURFREESBORO POST.COM MAY 14, 2013

RELAY HOPES TO REMIND ATHENIANS OF TRUE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY Bud Christian walked 5 miles through Athens on Monday to both raise awareness about the true meaning of Memorial Day and to honor his late son, Athens-Clarke County Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian III. Christian’s walk through downtown Athens to the Publix grocery store on Atlanta Highway comprised just one leg of a national journey dubbed the Carry the Load relay. The relay started in West Point, N.Y., on April 30. After nearly 2,000 miles, it should end in Dallas, Texas, on May 26. Organizers hope the relay alerts the public to recall that Memorial Day, a national holiday, means more than just an opportunity to barbecue with family and friends. “We’re doing this to make people aware of all our fallen soldiers, and our purpose is to not only honor them but to raise money for these women and children they leave behind,” said Dill Driscoll, the University of Georgia entrepreneur in residence. The money raised by Carry the Load goes to charities set up for the families of fallen soldiers, firefighters and law enforcers, such as Athens-Clarke police officer Buddy Christian, who was fatally shot while on duty in March 2011. Travis Mann, a lieutenant commander in the Navy, said it’s satisfying to see how the charity impacts the lives of families. “I see it directly go to work for people that I know,” Mann said. “That’s the best part about it for me.” Serving in the U.S. Navy, Mann said he has lost a lot of friends, and he wanted to find some way to help their loved ones. “As soon as I heard about (Carry the Load), I knew it was for me,” Mann said. “I did the national relay last year, as well as this year. Carry the Load is something that’s too easy to get excited about.” Each person participating in the relay is encouraged to carry the load for someone. Mann, a graduate of UGA, carries the load for T.J. Blecksmith, his friend in the U.S. Marine Corps killed while serving in Iraq. “I’ve carried his patch with me for two years now,” Mann said. “I carry the load. It goes with me everywhere.” Clint Bruce, a former Navy Seal, established Carry the Load to remind Americans of what Memorial Day is about. Congress established Memorial Day as a national holiday in 1971. However, many northern states started observing it more than 100 years earlier as a means to memorialize Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, according to usmemorialday.org. Following World War I, the holiday expanded to remember all those who died in service of their country. Mann said one of the great things about Carry the Load is that it now includes emergency responders. “Memorial Day is great for the military, but (emergency responders) don’t have a day specifically for them, so we brought them in the fold because when I am down range and doing what I’m doing when I’m deployed, I can’t do that unless I know my family’s safe and that they’re protected back here,” Mann said. “They’re carrying the load for me.” Bud Christian said Carry the Load helps to fill a gap in providing support to law enforcement. “It always helps to know that people are supporting you, and you are not alone in your efforts,” Christian said. Christian walked alongside his wife, Carolyn, and his two grandchildren, Callie and Wyatt.

ONLINEATHENS.COM NICKWIDENER

MAY 13. 2013

ORGANIZATION AIMS TO HELP THOSE WHO 'CARRY THE LOAD' 27 days. 2,000 miles. 1 mission. Carry the load — who are you carrying?” is emblazoned across the side of a tour bus seen in Spartanburg County on Sunday. That about says it all about Carry the Load, a national charity to benefit the families of those in military service and first responders, such as firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics, who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The organization is bringing awareness of its cause and raising money in a 2,000-mile relay from West Point, N.Y., to Dallas, Tex. On Sunday, Carry the Load made its way through Spartanburg County, with local residents joining Navy fighter pilots and others making the cross country walk. Spokesman John Jones said about a dozen people walked during one leg through Spartanburg, a group of cyclists stopped as the group neared Highway 417 and Green Pond Road in Woodruff. Other stops in Spartanburg included East Main and East St. John streets, Reidville Road and Highway 417 and Moore Duncan Highway. Lt. Commander Travis Mann, who's served in the U.S. Navy for the past 17 years, said his legs and feet were a little sore, but he was having a great day Sunday. He picked up the relay in Washington, D.C., at the Lincoln Memorial. He said he was inspired to get involved because he has a lot of friends in the military who have been killed. It's frustrating to survivors when they feel that their loved ones aren't remembered, Mann said. “I felt like I needed to do something,” Mann, 40, said. “When I heard about Carry the Load, it spoke to me. Every day is Memorial Day for the families.” After the relay hits Atlanta, Mann will head home to southern Maryland, then be deployed to the Middle East for one more tour before retiring. Mann said he's enjoyed walking through not only the larger cities, but through small towns of America as well. Drivers honk, and residents often pull over to ask with the group is doing. Mann said it's important to raise money and carry the load for those in military service, but also those on the front lines — police, fire and rescue workers — who are on the front lines at home. “They're carrying the load for me when I'm deployed,” Mann said. Navy Lt. Commander Bob Foley, 32, said he's carrying the load for Lt. Matthew Lowe, who died in a plane crash in April 2011. “I think about him every April,” Foley said. “The sacrifices he's made shouldn't be forgotten. I'm honored to be part of the program.” In Spartanburg, a woman approached the relay and asked what the organization was doing. She returned with Gatorade for Foley, he said. “We've had an overwhelmingly positive response,” Foley said. “Everyone wants to know what we're doing.” Foley said he will also leave the relay in Atlanta, and return home to Virginia Beach, Va., to his wife who gave birth to the couple's second child about 2 weeks ago. “My wife's been supportive,” Foley said. “I'm looking forward to getting back and helping change some of those diapers.” In all, the relay will last 27 days and take the organization through 12 states. Money raised will go to Heroes On The Water, Snowball Express, Sons Of The Flag Burn Foundation, TAPS, Team Red, White & Blue and Tip Of The Spear. To register as a Load Carrier, sponsor a portion of the relay or donate to the campaign, visit www.CarryTheLoad.org.

GOUPSTATE.COM JENNY ARNOLD

MAY 12, 2013

"CARRY THE LOAD" RELAY IN LA VERGNE THIS COMING FRIDAY

The city of La Vergne will welcome the national CARRY THE LOAD Relay this coming Friday (5/17/13). This is an initiative to unite Americans in a walk to honor those who have fallen in service to our country—veterans, service men and women, first responders, citizens and volunteers—to “carry the load” for those who have and those who can no longer.

The city of La Vergne, TN welcomes the relay team on Leg 231 in an extended overnight stop on Friday, May 17, 2013. They will travel along Murfreesboro Road through to La Vergne between 8-10AM Friday morning.

Since departing West Point, New York, CARRY THE LOAD has been embraced by a supportive public raising nearly $335,000 to date and welcoming more than 800 road warriors along the way. The third NYC leg dispatched from the Horse Soldiers Memorial (located at Ground Zero) with Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, along with members of the NYC Fire Department and 9/11 family members, leading the way with mutually shared excitement to “regain” the meaning of Memorial Day.

“The message and mission of ‘Carry the Load’ really hits home to me. My 86 year-old Daddy served in the South Pacific as a young Sailor during World War II, and my 26 year-old son is a young U.S. Army Reserve Soldier on active duty in Afghanistan. These Veterans are walking from West Point, NY, to Dallas, TX, to remind us of the real meaning of Memorial Day,” said Police Chief, Mike Walker. “I encourage all of LaVergne’s Veterans, as well as any Veteran to come out and participate in this awesome event. All citizens who are not veterans should come to show their support to those who have served, and those who are serving now. Be sure to wear your patriotic colors, and bring your U.S. Flag with you! Let’s show the ‘Carry the Load Relay Team’ support like they have never seen before!”

Citizens are encouraged to welcome the walkers by showing their patriotism – wearing red, white and blue and carrying U.S. flags. Parking will be available at businesses located along Murfreesboro Road and City Hall. Additionally, residents can walk with the CARRY THE LOAD team by meeting on Lillian Buchanan Drive next to the U.S. Post Office anytime after 5:30 p.m. From there, city officials, fire fighters, police, representatives of Rolling Thunder, and others will converge with the walkers passing through at approximately 6:00 p.m.

“It was such a huge honor last year to welcome Carry the Load as they passed through La Vergne. We are absolutely elated that the city has been chosen again this year to host this courageous group of military personnel,” said Mayor, Senna Mosley. “Not only did they serve our country with dignity and care, but they continue to give back to the families of soldiers who were lost while fulfilling their duty to our great nation. I am humbled to walk with them as they come through La Vergne.”

Individuals, businesses and organizations may sponsor segment(s) of the relay in an effort to help families of fallen heroes. All funds raised will be donated to CARRY THE LOAD’s beneficiaries--Heroes On The Water, Snowball Express, Sons Of The Flag Burn Foundation, T.A.P.S. and Team Red, White & Blue, and Tip Of The Spear--organizations focused on supporting military families. To register as a Load Carrier /or/ demonstrate your support by sponsoring a portion of the Relay /or/ to donate directly to the campaign, please visitwww.CarryTheLoad.org.

WGNSRADIO.COM MAY 12, 2013

"Carry the Load" Walks In Charlottesville To Honor Memorial Day

"Carry the Load" is a cross country relay of people that are working to bring back the meaning of Memorial Day. The Burley Middle School Choir sang on the downtown mall Tuesday to honor them. Here in Charlottesville, people walked that had lost family members and friends. The Charlottesville Fire Department showed its support for Carry the Load and Memorial Day, by lining the downtown mall with American flags.U.S. Navy veteran and former SEAL Clint Bruce says he Co-Founded Clint Bruce says Memorial Day is not about good sales and cookouts.

He says he started organizing this effort in Dallas to honor his friends that lost their lives:

The group started in West Point and is working to cover 17,000 miles over the month ofMay and end in Dallas. To find out more go to www.CarryTheLoad.org They plan to do this every year in May and come back through here next year.

CARRY THE LOAD RELAY RUNNERS WELCOMED IN CHARLOTTESVILLE There's a national effort to bring back what many call the true meaning of Memorial Day. The nonprofit organization Carry the Load is leading a cross-country relay to honor America's military heroes.

In total, it's going to be a 2-day journey covering 17,000 miles. It's all an effort to get away from the commercialization of Memorial Day and think about sacrifice.

The journey brought supporters to Charlottesville Tuesday. Members of Carry the Load were welcomed by the Charlottesville Fire Department, which lined the downtown mall with American flags. Students from Burley Middle School also gave a special tribute, performing several songs.

Co-founder and former Navy seal Clint Bruce says the idea of "carrying" is about honoring men and women who gave their last full measure of service.

"We see people that carry a picture of their lost loved one and honestly that's a heavier load than I'll be able to carry on my weight. For some families it's Memorial Day every day," said Bruce.

Charlottesville is leg 91 out of 348 total. The walk will reach Dallas on the May 27.

They are expected to travel through Virginia until Wednesday.

WINA.COM

NBC29.COM NATALIE WILSON

MAY 7, 2013

'Carry the Load' Comes Through Charlottesville Carry the Load is a cross country relay run that is meant to remind people what Memorial Day is all about and to honor our country's veterans.

The run started in West Point, New York on May 1, and ends Dallas, Texas later this month.

The Charlottesville Fire Department and several other local groups and individuals came out to take over there segment, or 'ruck', as the organizers call it.

Clint Bruce, founder of Carry the Load and former Navy SEAL says, its all about showing support, even if just for a little while.

"It's not intended to be a pity party, its mostly just intended to be a 'Hey, remember these guys'" says Bruce.

"Take a couple of minutes on memorial day and remember the men and women who are doing a lot for us and then move on because that is what they would want you to do."

NEWSPLEX.COM MAY 7, 2013

Walk on Memorial Day weekend to honor vets Kim Kelsall showed off the contents of her backpack: a button with her brother’s face on it, a small rainbow-colored ball, a tiny metal angel and a bracelet.

These are some of the things she will carry to honor him while walking 20 miles on Memorial Day weekend during a national event called “Carry the Load.” It will be held for the first time in the Austin area on May 25 at Reveille Peak Ranch at 105 County Road 114 in Burnet.

Local organizers expect thousands to join the walk, which will raise money for local non-profits that help veterans and their families. The theme encourages participants to carry items with them in memory of those who have died or been seriously injured in the military, law enforcement or firefighting.

The owner of the ranch, Vol Montgomery, said he agreed to hold the event there because he wants to help “bring back the meaning of Memorial Day.”

Supporters include Anita Perry, the wife of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and Montgomery said the group has already raised $700,000 for the walk.

Kelsall, an Austin resident, said her brother, 32-year-old Jonas Kelsall, was a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 when his helicopter was shot down.

She walked in his memory last year at a Carry the Load event in Dallas. Participating made her feel less lonely in her grief, she said. “Everyone feels the same way because everyone has similar losses.”

Candyss Bryant, the executive director of Serve who Serve, one of the non-profits benefiting from the walk, said she is walking on a team honoring the memory of Army SPC Richard Emmons III from Connecticut. Emmons was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

Camp Gladiator, a fitness boot camp company and one of the partners at the event, is bringing a team and is offering a free month of boot camp to anyone who raises $150 or more for the walk.

Participation in the event is free. It will begin at 11 a.m. with a mock demonstration of a land, air and amphibious assault on a fake drug house, Montgomery said.

Other activities include tours of the Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center at the ranch.

The walk — to be made in one-mile loop around a lake at the ranch — will go from 2 to 8 p.m. Those wishing to participate can register and join a team www.carrytheload.org.

MYSTATESMAN.COM CLAIRE OSBORN APRIL 25, 2013

CARRY THE LOAD EVENT IN BURNET SHOWS TRUE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY BURNET — For almost 10 months a sense of loneliness hung over Kim Kelsall following her brother’s death on Aug. 6, 2011. But as she trekked along during the first ever “Carry the Load” event on Memorial Day of 2012, her brother Jonas Kelsall came back to life through the stories his teammates shared.

Kim Kelsall holds a photo of her brother, Jonas Kelsall, a lieutenant commander with the Navy SEALS who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2011. She will participate in the Carry the Load event

May 25 at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet to remind others about the real reason for Memorial Day. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton

“I grew up with Jonas, but they had stories I had never heard and never knew,” Kim Kelsall said. “It had been a long time since I had physically touched him. Here I was walking with these guys who served with him and wanted to talk to me about him.” “I spend a great deal of the time since Jonas’ death feeling lonely,” she said. “But when I showed up to the event last year, I didn’t feel lonely.” Jonas Kelsall was among the 38 men who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan after what officials believe was struck by a Taliban rocket propelled grenade. Kelsall, 32, was a lt. commander in the elite Navy SEALS, a special operations squad. Fifteen of the SEALS who died in the crash were members of Seal Team 6, the unit responsible for killing Osama bin Laden. Pentagon officials said none of the men in the crash had been involved in the bin Laden assault. Following her brother’s death, Kelsall said she felt she needed to do something to remember him and honor those who had died while serving their country. She found it in Carry the Load.

Remembering Memorial Day The organization and event, founded in 2011 by former Navy SEALs, work to remind people the reason for Memorial Day. It’s not just the first day of summer, but a holiday set aside for this country to honor the men and women who died while protecting the nation. Kelsall made the trip to the 2012 Carry the Load event in Dallas as part of a team that walked about 35 miles in 20 hours. During the event she met SEALS who served with or knew her brother, including a founder of the organization Clint Bruce. She also met many other people who either lost a loved one in the service of the United States, wanted to honor those who served or simply desired to make a difference. She left Dallas a different person. And with a new passion. “When you end it, you’re totally exhausted but completely in awe of what some people did,” Kelsall said. “When I got home I immediately called Curt and said, ‘If you ever do this in the Austin area, I want to be a part of it.’”

The Burnet event On May 25, two days before Memorial Day, Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet is hosting the Carry the Load 20.13 Ranch owner Vol Montgomery is donating the facility for the event and even cut a new trail around the stock tank for the walk. This walk, at 20.13 miles, won’t be as long as at the Dallas event, but the impact organizers believe will be just as deep and meaningful. “The true purpose of this whole event is to bring back the meaning of Memorial Day,” Montgomery said. “I think we’ve really lost why we have this day among all the furniture sales and it’s the ‘first day of summer’ hype. And those who have served, they get frustrated when people don’t realize what the day is really for. Clint just started this because he was angry. Angry that people seemed to have forgotten.” The concept is simple. You, your friends, your family or even complete strangers form a team, register, raise money and then show up May 25 to walk. The funds all go to local organizations geared toward helping veterans, veterans’ families and first responders.

DAILYTRIB.COM DANIEL CLIFTON

APRIL 23, 2013

The Burnet event at Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 CR 114, starts at 11 a.m. with a display of military and police capabilities including live and static demonstrations. Several elite Texas law enforcement units will “carry out” a drug raid on a compound using air, land and water equipment and tactics.There will be parachuting and helicopter rappelling. Montgomery was attending an Army Ranger graduation where the elite unit demonstrates many of its capabilities. After he and organizers began planning for the Burnet’s Carry the Load 20.13, he thought a demonstration of Texas law enforcement and national guard units would give people a look at something they don’t typically get to see. The Carry the Load 20.13 walk starts at 2 p.m. with opening ceremonies. The walk isn’t a long stretch, but completed in a series of laps around Reveille Peak’s stock tank.

Building a civi lian-military connection Candyss Bryant, who regularly works within the military world, said while the law enforcement and military demonstrations are exciting and will probably draw public interest, the real reason for the event remains the walk. And it’s not just because the event will raise funds for other organizations including one she works with, “Serve Who Serve,” but also because it opens up an opportunity for the civilian and military communities to come together and walk side by side. “Events like this one appeal to me because the civilian community can feel very lost when it comes to interacting with the military community. And so there’s this big disconnect between the two,” she said. “This event gives a place both can come together.” Montgomery pointed out many people who never served in the military may feel a bit lost on how they can help out or how they can support the armed forces men and women. This is one of those ways. Kelsall agreed.

‘Tell me about your hero’ The beauty of this being a walk, Kelsall said, is it gives participants a chance to talk and meet people along the trail. During the 2012 event in Dallas, one of the things Kelsall treasured the most was simply the opportunity to meet people who knew her brother. The walking gave them time to share stories. Making those connections or asking about loved one lost isn’t always something people know how to do. The best thing a person can do on the walk or even in day-to-day life when he or she meets somebody who lost a friend, relative or loved one in the wars is ask him or her about “their hero,” Kelsall said. “Just go up and say, ‘Tell me about your hero,’” she said. “When somebody asks you about your hero, you’ll talk about that person, that hero, for the next hour. Carry the Load helps tell the story about all these people.” The one thing Carry the Load isn’t is a competition. It’s not about who can finish the 20.13 miles the fastest or even completing all the miles. It’s not even about completing one mile. “It’s about the intent,” Kelsall said. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t finish one mile. What matters is you came and you wanted to honor, to remember all these men and women.”

Getting involved Forming a team and raising money is fairly simple. People can go to www.carrytheload.org/austin and register. Kelsall said the best thing to do is not even worry about forming a team at first, simply sign up and then start sending out word about what you’re doing. When she did it last year, several people join Kelsall’s team after she had posted something about it on her Facebook page. “Once you start talking about it, somebody who you never expected will join your team,” Kelsall said. People can even donate to a team or the general cause by going to the Carry the Load website. Or, if a person doesn’t want to form your own team, he or she can join one of the current ones. Montgomery said they hope the Burnet event will become a template for communities across the country to follow in creating their own Carry the Load programs. Whatever the level of involvement – team captain, volunteer, donor or simply a spectator – the reason behind the event remains remembering the meaning of Memorial Day and all those it recognizes. “(Service members) were out there doing something for me, I’m challenged to do something to remember them,” Kelsall said. “And when you come away for Carry the Load, you will probably commit to it the rest of your life.”

Memorial Events to Honor Fallen Heroes CHICAGO, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cities across the US are hosting ceremonies and events during Memorial Day weekend (May 25 -- 27) to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives

defending their country. The travel experts at The GO Group suggest checking out these events in the following cities. On Saturday, Chicago is expecting more than 10,000 spectators at its

Memorial Day Parade. The day kicks off with a wreath laying ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza then proceeds south on State Street. This year's parade will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Taps, the musical piece played at dusk, and also will be dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died in the Iraq War. Dallas is participating in Carry The Load, a national 20-hour Memorial Day event honoring service members and their families. Held at Reverchon Park/Katy Trail, participants can march at any time and for any duration during the 20 hours event. Opening ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and the march begins at 4. It ends on Monday at 12:13 p.m. with closing ceremonies immediately following. Also, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is holding a free Memorial Day Concert at Flagpole Hill on Monday at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks.

New York is home to numerous parades over the weekend, including ones in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, among others. The weekend coincides with Fleet Week, (May 23 -- 30), the annual celebration where sailors who serve on ships arrive in New York. Events include the parade of ships up the Hudson River, military demonstrations and ship tours.

Events held on Memorial Day in Hawaii include the Natatorium Memorial Day Service at the Waikiki War Memorial and ceremonies at Honolulu's major cemeteries. Tens of thousands are expected to gather at Ala Moana Beach to watch the Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, where a thousand lit lanterns are released onto the ocean. The city also hosts a formal ceremony at Punchbowl Cemetery, near Waikiki Beach, with the decoration of soldiers' graves with leis, flower wreaths, and festivities including live music and fireworks.

Legacy Week in San Diego runs Friday through Monday, with ceremonies, concerts and a discovery zone for kids. Activities include a wreath ceremony on Saturday; a US Navy Band Concert on Sunday and an American Legion Post 492 ceremony on Monday. The American Freedom Festival, a benefit concert for veterans and America's armed forces, will be held Saturday, on deck of the USS Midway Museum, featuring a concert with Creedence Clearwater Revisited. For ticket prices, check the website, https://tickets.americanfreedomfoundation.org/mainstore.asp, for ticket prices.

The GO Group serves all the airports in the cities above. For a complete list, visit the website: www.GOAirportShuttle.com.

The GO Group, LLC is a one-stop source for door-to-door airport shuttle services. Its members transport some 13 million passengers to and from airports in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe annually. Travelers can book ground through GO's website, www.goairportshuttle.com

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL DYANA SCHINDLER

APRIL 23, 2013

Walk to honor troops and first responders during “Memorial Month” A charitable group’s 2,000-mile ruck march from West Point, N.Y., to Dallas, Texas, this spring aims to honor fallen troops, police and firefighters, support affected military families and “take Memorial Day back.” The 27-day effort, called the Carry The Load National Relay, will come straight through a large portion of Delaware. And the group is looking for volunteers – as well as donors – who’d like to honor those who can no longer “carry the load” by signing up to walk on one or more of the 348 two-hour legs to help raise money to benefit military-related charities. The hike begins Apr. 30 in New York and concludes in Texas on Memorial Day. The goal is $1 million, raised via per-leg sponsors and outright donations, to benefit three excellent military charities: the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS – a 24/7 resource for anyone who has lost a military loved one; the Snowball Express, which supports the children of troops who’ve died on active duty since 9/11; and Team Red, White and Blue, which connects U.S. veterans to their community through physical and social activity. The route includes a stretch that will see participants walking through much of Delaware. The legs, with approximate times, are: May 3 6 p.m.: Arrive (from Boothwyn, Pa.) at Marsh Rd. and Barclay Rd., Wilmington 8 p.m.: Arrive at Rodney Square, Wilmington 10 p.m.: Arrive at Rt. 9 and Buttonwood Ave., New Castle Midnight: Arrive at Rt. 9 and Malcolm Forest Rd., New Castle May 4 1 a.m.: Arrive at Clinton St. and 5th St., Delaware City 1:30 a.m.: Port Penn Rd. and W Market St., Port Penn 2 a.m.: Shannon Blvd. and S. Dupont Parkway, Middletown 4 a.m.: Taylors Bridge Rd and Stave Landing Rd,Townsend 6 a.m.: 499 Fleming Landing Rd., Townsend 8 a.m.: Hay Point Landing Rd. and Florio Rd., Smyrna 10 a.m.: Denny St. and Front St., Leipsic Noon: N. Dupont Hwy. at Kabab Korner, Dover 2 p.m.: 2712 Forrest Ave. at Victory Church, Dover 4 p.m.: Hartly Rd. and Meyers Dr., Hartly 6 .m.: Barclay Rd. and Templeville Rd., Marydel, Md. Go here, and scroll to the Route Guide, for details on each leg. Click ‘Register to Participate’ to sign up for that specific leg. To walk more than one leg of the relay, register for the leg for which any money raised should be credited. Corporate sponsors should e-mail wesvandyk@carrytheload.org.

DELWAREONLINE.COM BILL MCMICHAEL

APRIL 18, 2013

National veterans relay coming through Atlanta Determined to “take Memorial Day back,” the organization Carry the Load kicked off its 27-day national relay April 30 in West Point, N.Y. “We can walk a couple of hours because we know families who live Memorial Day every day. They have to walk in those Memorial Day shoes every day,” Coleman Ruiz, a Carry the Load board member. He said one of the purposes behind the walk is to recognize people’s sacrifices. “If you had been in New York City with us yesterday, you would have seen 40 9/11 families walking with us and how much they appreciate the fact that we haven’t forgotten,” Ruiz said. Carry the Load is celebrating its second cross-country event this year. However, it began in 2011 in Dallas, as a 20-hour, 11-minute walk.U.S. Naval Academy graduates and U.S. Navy veterans Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley created the event. “The thought was, ‘We should get out and do a walk, and give people a chance to engage in the community and tell stories,’” said Ruiz, also an academy graduate and veteran. Now, the relay will end in Dallas with a 20-hour, 13-minute walk. On its 15th day, the relay will hit Decatur Tuesday at 10 a.m., at Memorial Drive and George Luther Drive at Wendy’s. At noon, it will be in Atlanta, at 2440 Ga. 154. At 2 p.m., the walk will continue at 10th Street and Argonne Avenue at Piedmont Park, and the last Atlanta stop is at 6 p.m., at West Marietta Street and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard. “Coming through Atlanta is a major change,” Ruiz said. ”We thought it was important to get closer to [the] South, so we swung south a little bit further for lots of different reasons — people we know, military bases and organizations.” The relay is broken into 5-mile segments throughout the country, and every 5-mile point is an exchange spot. “Folks can show up at any one of those exchange points,” he said. “Somebody’s always physically moving at some point in time to [the] next exchange point.” While no participant is required to register to walk, donors must register in order to give money. “All of the money we raise goes to our primary beneficiaries [TAPS., Snowball Express and Team Red, White and Blue],” Ruiz said. “We’re raising funds for veteran organizations that already do good work.” Last year, the relay generated $500,000 and they donated about $300,000 to the organizations. The rest went to the organization’s operating funds, he said. This year, Ruiz said he hopes the relay raises $1 million. “If we could [bring in] double, that would be spectacular, but Carry the Load was never designed to be something you have to register to pay for,” he said. “When you come through places people live, you get a chance to speak to them on how they feel about Memorial Day, and why it is not just another holiday. … I can guarantee every town in America has someone who has lost someone.”

NEIGHBORNEWSPAPERS.COM CAROLINE YOUNG

MAY 8, 2013

CARRY THE LOAD 2013 – LEARN ABOUT AND SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE Former Navy Seal and founder of Carry The Load Stephen Holley will speak to the Lake Highlands Exchange Club Friday morning. While it started as an esoteric and personal event, Carry the Load — a 20-plus-hour walk to honor veterans, police and firefighters — has gained recognition. Participants walk as many as 20 hours, often carrying backpacks weighing 30-40 pounds or more to symbolize both the physical weight that soldiers carry as well as the weight of responsibility carried by first responders and military personnel.

If after hearing the talk you are inspired to join but want some company, Lake Highlands CrossFit has a free training group. You can read about it in our May interview with the organizer, Mark Barnett. Members of the Exchange Club know when and where to meet – Knights of Columbus, 10110 Shoreview, at 7 a.m.

LAKEHIGHLANDSADVOCATEMAG.COM

CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB MAY 8, 2013

Help ITS Tactical Carry The Load This Memorial Day 2013 How will you be honoring and thanking members of our Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters and their families for their sacrifices this Memorial Day? We’d like to invite you to join our team this Memorial Day in Dallas, TX for Carry The Load. Carry The Load is a life-changing journey for people as they walk or run as long or as little as they can in the 20-hour period. Like the service members they honor, they carry more than they have to, longer than they think they can.

Carry The Load We’ve organized a team to participate in the event and are calling on you to show up and help us Carry The Load. As mentioned, there’s no commitment to the whole 20 hours that we’ll be there. To register for free on our team we’ve dubbed the ITS Tactical Joint Task Force, click here. Even if you can’t make it out, you can help us reach our goal of raising $2,500 for the event’s charities. To donate to our team, please click here. We attended Carry The Load last year in Dallas and it was a huge success, both personally and as a team. We had a great group of people show up, including the crew from Madcat Aviator Operator. I had a runkeeper going during last year’s event and during the 20 hours and 12 minutes we walked, which showed the ground covered was 33.81 miles. While I was hurting afterwards, carrying a weighted pack and an American Flag and Navy Flag, it was the least I could do to remember my friends that have fallen. Please don’t feel that you have to participate in the whole event, or even carry a weighted pack, we’d love to have you on our team for just an hour if possible. We’ll provide an update as we get closer to the event with a place to meet up so we can all start together. Carry The Load – Dallas starts on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. and goes through Monday, May 27 at 12:13 p.m. It’s being held at Reverchon Park in Dallas, TX. If you’d like to participate and join our team, sign up here.

ITSTACTICAL.COM BRYAN BLACK

MARCH 25, 2013

Carry The Load Support those who risk their lives for us Memorial Day is only a month out and my mind is already turning on a regular basis to those who so willingly risk their lives for yours and mine. God knows that the last few weeks, with first responders putting so much on the line in Boston and West, that the images of their bravery and sacrifice have been clearer than ever. In my new job I’ve also had the opportunity to interact with many armed service members of every branch. With every current service member and veteran I meet, I am more impressed by the love they have for this country. A love that compels them to put themselves between us and our enemies.

In the midst of those thoughts about the debt we owe those men and women, I found out aboutCarry The Load through one of the organizers, and a decorated former Navy SEAL officer, Clint Bruce. I immediately decided I wanted to take part in the event and help carry the load for those who protect and defend us.

Carry The Load is a non-profit organization helping people celebrate a meaningful Memorial Day by conducting a 20-hour event that honors veterans and active duty service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families.

Through event participation and sponsorship, CTL raises money to support their 2013 beneficiaries: Assist The Officer, Heroes On The Water, Friends of Dallas Fire-Rescue, Tip Of The Spear Foundation and Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation.

What I’m doing

I’ve pledged to take part in the 20 hour march, carrying the load, on Memorial Day and helping raise money to support the charities listed above. I’m raising money individually and also as part of the ITS Tactical team. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting those men and women who risk so much for us.

Who I ’m “Carrying”

As I watched some of the videos from last year and thought about who I wanted to “carry” (like who you would walk for in Relay for life), a lot of possibilities came to mind but in the end, I decided on 5 individuals that I know personally.

- Grant: My cousin Grant just got deployed a few weeks ago. He joined up a couple years ago and it has been an incredible thing to see how he has matured into a strong, caring man who has long desired to defend his country. We got to spend a lot of time together as his deployment drew close and I treasured getting the opportunity to share in his excitement and trepidation as the day came closer. Please keep him in your prayers.

REDSTATE.COM RAZSHAFER

APRIL 26, 2013

I met these next four guys after Chris Kyle’s funeral. The Pub where some friends and I met up to toast Chief Kyle quickly transformed into a SEAL bar as many of his brothers descended. I had the honor of spending the rest of my day getting to know a number of them and contributing the only things I could to their celebration of Chris’ life: cigars and beer.

- Jay Redman: “Still in the fight,” are the words that best describe Jay. A former SEAL officer, he was shot multiple times while leading his unit on a mission in Iraq. In the ensuing years he’s undergone 37 surgeries as part of his recovery from those extensive wounds. While no longer in active military service, he’s rededicated his life to serving our country by giving back and supporting his brothers and sisters in arms.

- Mike, Johnny and “Booster”: I can’t go into much detail about these guys out of respect for their security but these guys blew me away. Two are still active in the SEALS and another is out of the teams but still in sensitive work. The bravery of these guys and the humility they showed was inspiring to say the least. Getting to spend the afternoon with them and their brothers will always be a memory I treasure and inspired me with a much greater desire to seek out ways to support the men and women who serve us.

What you can do

As RedStaters, we love America and I’m proud of the myriad ways we show that love, including through supporting our fighting men and women. I want you to show that support in a few concrete ways as we lead up to Memorial Day:

- Put mental energy into finding ways to show your appreciation for veterans and active service men and women. Whether it’s shaking somebody’s hand and giving them a direct “thank you,” paying for the lunch of a uniformed member you see in line or sending a beer to one you see at a bar. You’re not going to take action unless you first put some focus on it.

- Put your money where your mouth is. Talk is cheap and saying “Thank You” only does so much. The organization I’m focusing on is Carry The Load but whether you give to them or somewhere else, please give something other than lip service to show your support.

Come Memorial Day, I’ll proudly spend 20 hours carrying the load for Grant, Jay, Mike, Johnny and Booster. It’s my hope that you’ll join us, either physically or financially, in that effort.

Second annual Carry The Load, Dallas Memorial Day 2013, Carry The Load brings the second annual Dallas leg of the cross-country, non-profit event that started 2,000 miles away in West Point, NY back to the Metroplex. Dallas picks up the load on May 26-27, 2013 at Reverchon Park/Katy Trail. The 20-hour walk-run relay honoring America’s military heroes, veterans and active duty members of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families is open to all area runners who want to do their part.

Carry The Load founder, Clint Bruce, is a graduate of South Garland High Schoollocated in the

Metroplex of northeast Texas. Bruce, a former Navy Seal, organized the nation-wide event to make life a

little more bearable for the people who serve our country every day.

Join the relay or make donations to help our first-responders and military as they fight to keep

America safe. Take a look at all thelocal activities planned to support the event, watch videos or

follow the progress of the cross-country event, choose any that interest you and your family, and make

this Memorial Day memorable by becoming involved in 2013 Carry The Load Dallas, along with your

backyard barbecue.

EXAMINER.COM EDWYNA WASHINGTON

MAY 4, 2013

From the frontlines to the Whole Food checkout lines They carried out the operation against Osama Bin Laden, rescued American hostages from Somali pirates and live by the motto, “the only easy day was yesterday,” and now a group of former U.S. Navy SEALS has launched a new mission in Dallas, grocery bagging. They put their precision and marksmen skills to work Tuesday, strategically placing lettuce, rice, and other food items into bags at the Whole Foods on Preston and Forest. "It's a humbling experience, I'm happy to do it. I haven't bagged groceries since I was 15-years-old," said Marine Sergeant Craig Carp. But it’s only a temporary gig for the SEALS. Five percent of all Whole Foods proceeds went to the non-profit Carry The Load, an organization dedicated to hosting meaningful Memorial Days for veterans, police, firefighters and their families. "We wanted to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day,” said Stephen Holley, co-founder of Carry The Load. “We saw a disconnect between the way my generation celebrated the Memorial Day holiday, and the original intent of why it was set up." "To me I think people have lost the true meaning. To them it's more of a day off to barbecue and have a beer, go buy a new mattress, a car. And not for me, because I've seen first hand what it means to be a warrior,” said Marine Corporal Jake. “I know as a country, as a nation, we're better than that. We can do better." The SEALS will also be accepting donations for their May 26 Memorial Day march at Victory Park on April 9.

SMUDAILYCAMPUS.COM LUCY SOSA

APRIL 22, 2103

ARKANAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE JENNIFER NIXON

MAY 12, 2013

Honoring Memorial Day

Carry the Load While many honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women on Memorial Day, Carry The Load does it from state to state with special dedication. This national nonprofit organization hosts a cross-country relay to honor veterans and active-duty service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families.

What started in 2011 as a 20-hour, 11-minute walk event in Dallas evolved into a national relay. Beginning in West Point, on April 30, Carry The Load team members walk five-mile increments, 24-hours a day to complete the route on Memorial Day in Dallas. For each increment of the relay, team members and their followers carry a flag that’s passed along the relay route. Some cities along the route have momentous exchange points, such as the Ground Zero Memorial in Manhattan and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, while others are marked by a Carry The Load branded tour bus. Co-founded by Navy SEAL veterans, this year marks Carry The Load’s third annual event.

Emily Reeves, “load carrier” for Arkansas, is the Little Rock sponsor representative. Emily lost her brother, Robert, a Navy SEAL, in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. “I wanted to get involved and help Arkansans show their patriotic pride by remembering the heroes that Carry The Load honors.” She anticipates an increase in participation this year. Amy Frazier Turpen, a new Carry The Load participant, says she got involved to honor veterans and enjoy the camaraderie of the relay. “Let’s remember those who died protecting us and the true meaning of Memorial Day. We’re creating a new holiday tradition,” explains Amy. Carry the Load comes through Arkansas May 20-24, from Memphis at 6pm on May 20 and through Texarkana at 4pm May 24. The North Little Rock portion of the route will begin May 21 at 8 pm on Riverfront Drive. In 2012, approximately 6,500 people participated in the national relay.

To participate in The Carry Load national relay or for more information, visit www.carrytheload.org.

INVITINGARKANSAS.COM JESSICA DYER

Carry the Load co-founder finds peace in seeing Americans step up to challenge DALLAS -- On a peaceful day at White Rock Lake, parents with young children seek out shade and watch the wind kick up waves. The last thing on most people's minds is suffering. Clint Bruce isn't most people. "What I know how to do is put on a pack and go," Bruce said. "The classic military action is a road march. I felt like I needed to walk it off." The former Navy SEAL needed to walk off some Memorial Day anger a few years ago; to feel the pain of reconnecting with fallen friends who seemed forgotten on the holiday created for them. So, he hoisted his backpack, intentionally loaded with 60- or 70-pounds of weight, and started to walk the trails around the lake. "I've always felt there are only two ways to create a tribe, to create this brotherhood," he said. "It's either through long periods of time, or condensed suffering." He learned this through SEAL training, and before that, as a Naval Academy football star, where he was the leading tackler for three years. At 39, he remains a powerful physical presence. As Bruce suffered through hour after hour beneath a heavy pack at the lake, he passed an old man who seemed to understand this ritual. Bruce took him for a World War II veteran by his insight and demeanor. "He said, 'Son,' I said, 'Yessir.' He said, 'Who are you carrying?'" Bruce recalled. He said that simple question unlocked and clarified his emotions. That's where the name of his non-profit, Carry the Load, comes from. The bigger story is where it's going. In 2011, Bruce co-founded Carry the Load with fellow former SEAL Stephen Holly. Last year, Carry the Load launched a walking relay from West Point, New York, to Dallas, and invited anyone along the way to join. We walked in Arkansas last May with former SEAL Coleman Ruiz. Much of the time, there were just a few walkers. But this year, the relay is drawing a lot more. This year, the murder of Bruce's close friend, Chris Kyle, focused national attention on SEALs and sacrifice. This year, we felt the deaths of 12 volunteer firefighters in the West, Texas explosion. "They did what they did because they thought America was worth it," Bruce said. "We're just challenging America to prove it. Chris [Kyle] thought you were worth it. That's why he took the risks. So be worth it."

WFAA.COM JIM DOUGLAS

MAY 12, 2O13

America seems to be looking for a way to show gratitude. Suddenly, thousands are stepping up to Carry the Load. "To go from 500 in 2011, to north of 20,000 is pretty spectacular," Clint Bruce said, sitting in a shelter at White Rock Lake. "It's an encouraging thing about America." Twenty thousand or more people are expected to participate in Carry the Load activities this Memorial Day weekend. Austin will have its own event, led by the sister of fallen SEAL Jonas Kelsall. 9/11 families joined Carry the Load walkers at the site of the World Trade Center in early May. Good Morning America gave the movement more publicity. Clint Bruce doesn't expect everyone to walk -- especially not the 20-hour march he'll lead in Dallas on May 26 & 27 at the end of the relay. He's just glad more Americans are pausing to consider the price of a peaceful day. And there's one more thing. "Now three years down the road," he said, "I'm not angry anymore." Not now that so many are showing they're willing to carry just a little of the load that was carried for them. In addition to focusing Americans on the meaning of Memorial Day, Carry the Load is also raising money for charities that help families, especially children, of fallen military, police, and fire fighters. To see some of those charities, and learn more about the relay and Memorial Day weekend walk, go to www.carrytheload.org.

Navy SEALs greet fans at Carry The Load event DALLAS — We want to thank everyone who came out to Victory Park on Tuesday evening to supportCarry the Load. The organization supports service members, veterans, first responders and their families. A lot of people stopped by to meet Navy SEALs before the Stars game. Stephen Holley and another former SEAL started Carry the Load to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. "Service to our country is not exclusive to the military, and we want to make sure that service here domestically is recognized appropriately as well," Holley said. Tuesday's event and others are leading up to the Dallas Memorial March during Memorial Your next chance to help Carry the Load is Tuesday, April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m., when WFAA will open a phone bank at our studios. We'll share more information as we get closer to that date. You can sign up for the Memorial Day march by clicking here.

WFAA.COM APRIL 9, 2013

Silent supporters of Dallas Fire-Rescue to receive Carry the Load funds DALLAS -- The bagpipes played. The bell rang. The dispatcher's final call sounded without answer. It was a public display of dignity after 12 brothers' deaths in the West, Texas, explosion last month. And for all the respect shown in public, much more was given in private. It's always that way. Jack Ayres is a Dallas lawyer who used to be a paramedic, and before that, a police officer. But his title of Honorary Dallas Fire Chief means more. "I think it's one of the greatest honors of my life," he said. He was given the title as a thank you for his work with Friends of Dallas Fire and Rescue, which gives to Dallas firefighters who sacrifice everything, like his close friend Captain Kenny Harris. Harris was one of 12 emergency responders who died April 17 in the fertilizer plant explosion in West. "[He was an] excellent fire commander. I never saw any better," Ayres said of his friend. "We have some that are as good probably; but none better." Ayres got a call in the middle of the night that Harris might have been hurt, but in all the confusion on the scene, he was missing. It wasn't long before the next call came. Harris had died. Friends of Dallas Fire and Rescue gives immediate financial and emotional assistance to families of fallen Dallas firefighters. Ayres could only do that if he went to West. When he arrived, Harris' men had beat him there. "In the fire department, there's a tradition that if one of our members dies on the fire ground, that his body is removed by the crew that he worked with," he said. "I remember his men saying to me that they didn't want him left out in the rain by himself." "Our job was to do whatever was necessary to have his body removed with full departmental honors," Ayres continued. In the morning, once investigators gave them clearance, Harris' crew pulled their captain's body from the site of the explosion. Then they did the same for the 11 other fallen responders, giving them a final salute, in silence. "That's a very important tradition for the fire service," Ayres said. It's been four weeks and the honorary chief's job hasn't ended, because Friends of Dallas Fire and Rescue

WFAA.COM TERESA WOODARD

MAY 13, 2013

never stops. They give support long after the tributes are over. If a firefighter is seriously injured or killed, they move in. "How many people do you know of that will die for somebody they don't know, and will do it without question, without hesitation?" Ayres said. "Those are the people we serve, and we serve them because they serve us." Carry the Load will donate some of what it raises from its Memorial Day walk to Friends of Dallas Fire and Rescue. It's a rather fitting thanks for quietly carrying a heavy load.

Walkers 'Carry the Load' in Nation's Capital WASHINGTON, D.C. - Memorial Day is just around the corner and many of us see it as little more than an extended weekend or chance to shop for deals. But, just like the years before, a group of people will do their best to show the rest of us it’s about sacrificed. Walkers for Carry the Load left West Point in New York earlier this month with a goal to raise $1 million. It's a 2,000-mile effort to collect money for the families of fallen veterans and first responders. Their long walk ends Memorial Day weekend in Dallas. Over the weekend, they walked through the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Co-founder Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL, helped put the annual event together a few years ago. "I was frustrated with the fact that most Americans don’t seem to recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day," he said. "It’s not just about sales and getting days off, it’s a bout honoring the men and women and the families who keep us safe." Carry the Load asks that people carry the memory of fallen veterans and first responders who lost their lives and sacrificed as they served for others. Walkers, some of whom only participate in segments of the walk, help raise money for groups such as "Snowball Express," which assists the children and spouses of service members killed in combat. "For these children and families, every day is Memorial Day," said Buck Kern, executive director of Snowball Express. "So, imagine how important it is that they see the rest of us taking time out to remember their fallen hero." WFAA is a proud sponsor of Carry the Load. In the week ahead, expect more coverage on air and online as the walkers get closer to their goal of reach North Texas and raising $1,000,00.

WFAA.COM JOHN MCCAA

MAY 6, 2013

WFAA sponsors phone bank for nonprofit Carry the Load During the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts this evening, WFAA-TV is sponsoring a phone bank to benefit nonprofit oranization Carry the Load. To donate, call 972.988.8888. Carry the Load is a registered IRS 501(c)3 organization that partners with communities across the nation to help create meaningful Memorial Day events honoring veterans, active duty service members, police officers, fire fighters and other public servants. In addition to a host of other smaller marches this Memorial Day, participants will walk from New York to Texas in a national relay.

Retired Marine invites you to meet Navy SEALs for a good cause Did you know that Navy SEAL stands for Sea, Air and Land because they're trained to handle themselves equally well in all these situations? You have one more chance to meet aNavy SEAL Tuesday. You can join News 8 at 5 p.m. at WFAA's Victory Park in Dallas. At the event, you can learn details on how you can sign up for the Carry the Load Memorial March, which takes place May 26-27. The march raises money to support Assist The Officer, Heroes On The Water, Friends of Dallas Fire-Rescue, Tip Of The Spear Foundation and Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation. On that note, retired Marine and Purple Heart recipient Jake Schick joined News 8 Daybreak to talk about the event. He's the ambassador of the group Carry the Load, a non-profit organization honoring veterans and active duty service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families. If you can't make it to Tuesday's event or the march, you can join the WFAA team and donate by clicking here.

WFAA.COM APRIL 16, 2013

WFAA.COM APRIL 9, 2013

SEEN & HEARD

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http://wgnsradio.com/carry-the-load-relay-in-la-vergne-this-coming-friday-cms-12721

http://www.wina.com/pages/16292124.php? http://www.nbc29.com/story/22187556/carry-the-load-relay-runners-welcomed-in-charlottesville http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/Carry-the-Load-Comes-Through-Charlottesville-206532001.html http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local/walk-on-memorial-day-weekend-to-honor-vets/nXX5t/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch http://www.dailytrib.com/2013/04/23/carry-the-load-event-in-burnet-shows-true-meaning-of-memorial-day/ http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130423-913902.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://blogs.delawareonline.com/delawaredefense/2013/04/18/walk-to-honor-troops-and-first-responders-this-memorial-day/ http://neighbornewspapers.com/view/full_story/22505538/article-National-veterans-relay-coming-through-Atlanta- http://lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/2013/05/carry-the-load-2013-learn-about-and-sign-up-for-the-challenge/

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2013/ http://www.redstate.com/razshafer/2013/04/26/carry-the-load/ http://www.examiner.com/article/second-annual-carry-the-load-dallas http://www.smudailycampus.com/news/from-the-frontlines-to-the-whole-food-checkout-lines-1.3033119#.UZZUOyvTW4I

http://www.invitingarkansas.com/featured/honoring-memorial-day

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Carry-the-Load-co-founder-finds-peace-in-seeing-Americans-step-up-to-his-challenge-207145331.html http://www.wfaa.com/community/carry-the-load/Navy-SEALs-greet-fans-at-Carry-The-Load-event-202249201.html http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/The-silent-supporters-of-Dallas-Fire-and-Rescue-receiving-funds-from-Carry-the-Load-206838301.html http://www.wfaa.com/community/carry-the-load/walkers-Carry-the-Load-to-raise-money-for-veterans-first-responders-206319201.html http://www.wfaa.com/community/carry-the-load/WFAA-sponsors-phone-bank-for-nonprofit-Carry-the-Load-203208121.html http://www.wfaa.com/community/carry-the-load/WFAA-sponsors-phone-bank-for-nonprofit-Carry-the-Load-203208121.html http://www.wfaa.com/video/featured-videos/Retired-Marine--202118221.html