Never Forget.

I woke up in California to the ringing phone. It was my mom: Michael, we are under attack. I rose out of bed into a new world—one where I watched alongside millions on live television as firefighters, EMTs, and police ran into burning buildings, buildings that fell and filled the sky with dust. And I swore then that I would never forget these heroes, their bravery, and their sacrifice.

This past weekend I flew up to New York City for the NYC 25 Miler Ruck. That’s 25 miles for the 25 years that have passed since 9/11—to honor those who put service and the lives of others first. At the meet-up point Cadre Cleve told me that New York City pavement is the hardest anywhere in the world, that it abuses the hell out of your feet. I said, Good.

I set out with the team we formed on the spot: Chris Desrosiers, Evan Poff, and myself. It was a pleasure to do the miles with these guys—true heart and soul Ruckers. I had met Chris previously at the Ruck or Die NYC event and already knew his inspiring story of dusting off a Rucker back in January of 2025 and losing 155 pounds since. Chris and I were meeting Evan for the first time. He told us he’d flown in from Salt Lake City on a late flight, slept a few hours at the airport, taken the train into the start point, and was heading right back to the airport after. That kind of dedication made us smile. All three of us just felt strongly about being there and were glad we teamed up.

But, I’m not done. I’m heading back to NYC this coming weekend with our IT Manager Hiram to do the HTB: Heavy, Tough, and Basic. I look forward to seeing Chris and Cadre Cleve again and everyone else who has vowed to Never Forget.

—Mike V.