The 50 Mile March Foundation empowers Veterans facing mental health challenges and homelessness by fostering a community of hope and relentless support. Each walker is recruited, vetted, and selected to represent what the foundation stands for. They also have a fundraising commitment of $2500 with funds raised going towards supporting local non-profits in the form of grants and towards the Community of Hope campus vision.
The 50 Mile March began only five years ago with just six participants. This year, David Swearingen, Private Client Relationship Manager at Core Bank, was one walker amongst 150 participants who committed himself to the 50 Mile March that began at the State Capital in Lincoln, NE and finished at Nebraska Brewing Company in La Vista, NE. After attending the finish-line at the 2023 50 Mile March where three of his friends completed the journey, he knew it was something he “had” to do in 2024. The inspiration of those who marched and the reason behind why the walkers march means so much to those that have been brave enough to have stepped up and served our country.
David, while not a Veteran himself, proudly marched with two of those three friends who did it again in 2024. David thought about his friend, Josh, as he walked the grueling 50 Mile during March, that started in the 105-degree heat index, walking overnight with the lowest being 75 degrees, taking a total of 22 hours without sleep. Josh was David’s WHY as he was a Veteran who sadly died by suicide. Veterans should not be a statistic. According to the 50 Mile March organization, 22 Veterans a day, commit suicide and less than 50% receive mental health treatment.
David shared, “Those who stepped up to serve our country, then have to deal with the mental health battles and homelessness, pales in comparison to the Veterans who are in that battle daily.” He thought about his individual training to condition his body and feet: the nighttime walks after his kids went to bed, the overnight walk, the mid-day rucks in the heat and how all that work prepared him to endure the 50 miles. Throughout the march, there were many amazing people who cheered on the walker and even had posters to support us through the overnight.
David said that it was very emotional and encouraging during the sunrise stop at the Gretna Hy-Vee on Sunday morning when there were 100+ people waiting for us, including Hy-Vee employees, friends and family who were cheering them on. Their encouragement as we approached Hy-Vee, truly was the push we needed to finish the last 10 miles of the March, as we were all exhausted and little to no sleep since Saturday morning.
David thanks the countless volunteers from hospitality crew, drivers, foot care specialists and sponsors who were there along the way to support the walkers (the youngest being 8 years old and the oldest being 76) to get to the finish. During the March, we had 6 different rest areas established, to change clothes, rehydrate, get some food into our bodies and address any injuries or blisters we may have gained.
The 50 Mile March ended at Operation Noble Watchman Welcome Home Landing where he saw his dad, then his mom and his 16-year-old son, finally then seeing his wife holding a banner at the finish along with family and neighbors. The finale party concluded the 50 Mile March at Nebraska Brewing to celebrate the journey and thank participants.
While the march is complete, there is still time to support the 50 Mile March and Veterans by donating to 50 Mile March – Team Superfly.
Funds raised will support local veteran-served non-profit organizations in the form of grants. The larger vision is to build a Community of Hope campus to house a community center and temporary living space to provide the services that our Veterans need to rest, recover and rebuild.
The next 50 Mile March mission is scheduled for AUGUST 23-24, 2025. If you are interested in walking, here is the application. David is already registered for next year and his commitment to the 50 Mile March was an inspiration to his 16-year-old son who voluntarily said he wanted to participate with him also.