Our Story

Ruck Up and Recover: Because No Veteran Should Fight Alone

Ruck Up and Recover was founded on Memorial Day 2025 with one simple belief: Our veterans were there for us when we needed them. We need to be there for them when they need us.

Founded by veterans and led by veterans and military spouses, our organization was built by people who understand that the battles don’t always end when the uniform comes off.

For many veterans, coming home is just the beginning of another fight. PTSD, depression, anxiety, isolation, financial struggles, and homelessness are challenges far too many face. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t asking for help. It’s finding someone who truly understands.

That’s why we created Ruck Up and Recover.

Our mission is to provide veterans with a place to reset, reconnect, and rediscover their purpose.

Through our completely free, five day mental health retreats, we bring together small groups of 10 to 12 veterans for an experience built around camaraderie, healing, and connection. There are no expensive programs to purchase, no expectations to meet, and no judgment.

Just veterans helping veterans.

Our retreats include outdoor activities, horseback riding, fishing, shared meals, and evenings around the campfire. Some of the most meaningful moments happen during simple conversations between veterans who realize they’re not alone in what they’re going through.

And when the retreat ends, our commitment doesn’t. We stay connected with our veterans, help them navigate VA benefits and resources, and provide ongoing support long after they return home.

We also work with homeless veterans in the El Paso area, helping connect them with housing assistance, VA programs, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

We don’t believe a veteran’s worth should be measured by their ability to pay for help. That’s why our retreats are 100% free, including lodging, meals, and activities.

We’re a relatively young nonprofit, but our mission is bigger than our organization. We want to build a community where veterans know someone has their back, not just for a weekend or a retreat, but for the long haul.

Every dollar donated helps us reach another veteran, create another opportunity for healing, and remind someone who may have lost hope that their life still matters.

We can’t erase the battles our veterans have fought. But we can make sure they don’t have to fight the next ones alone.

That’s our story. That’s our mission. And with your help, we’re just getting started.