More than 50 residents participated in the Canyon Lake Veterans and First Responders Group inaugural Independence Day Ruck March on July 3. Participants departed at 8 a.m. from Gault Field and traveled by foot approximately 3.7 miles to the Veterans Memorial Park in the Towne Center. Several participants carried weighted packs.
Three water stations were set up along the route. As participants arrived at the water station on Vacation Drive and Canyon Lake Drive South, they were greeted with cheers, waving flags, and members of the Canyon Lake City Council, Elsinore Municipal Water District Board (EVMWD), POA Board, and the Jr. Women’s Club, along with several residents and children.
EVMWD donated the water for the event and the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee organized the water stations. Residents Judith and Brian Bock donated donuts and orange juice for the participants to enjoy at the finish line.
“This ruck march was more than just an event for us,” said Joe Calise, president of the Canyon Lake Veterans and First Responders Group. “It was a way to bring vets, first responders, and our community closer together and to show our patriotism. Throughout my own military career, ruck marches really emphasized three things: teamwork, comradery, and grit.”
According to Calise, this event was inspired by member Eric Jensen, who performed an 11-mile ruck march in Canyon Lake on Memorial Day in honor of his fellow veterans.
“As a group, we thought this was the perfect way to bring us all closer together,” Calise said. “The support we received was way beyond what I envisioned. Patriotic Arms, EVMWD, the Jr. Women’s Club, the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee, Proactive Legal, the Canyon Lake Insider, and city and POA representatives all come out and supported us in various ways and we are truly thankful for them. I truly love this community and any vet/LEO I’m sure feels the same way.”
Calise said the group plans to make the ruck march and annual community event. “We hope to make it even bigger, next year” he said.
