Troy University fraternity finishes 128.3-mile walk for veterans in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - “It’s like you’re reborn again, it’s almost like a breath of fresh air. I’ve been looking forward to it,” said Troy University ATO brother Myles Taylor.

Reborn -- just one of the feelings that the brothers of Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity feel while taking part in their Walk Hard tradition.

“Walk Hard is a huge, huge event for our fraternity. Everybody loves it, it means so much to so many people,” said ATO brother Britton Whatley.

This year marked the 15th annual Walk Hard event.

The brothers left six days ago from the quad at Troy -- and 128.3 miles later, finished off at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.

They did the walk to raise money for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures.

“His mission is to take these wounded veterans out on hunting and fishing trips while also sharing the gospel with them. Oftentimes when they come back from serving, they’re not always in the best place, and they just need someone to lend out a helping hand and be there for them,” said Walk Hard director Nick Marshall.

“Helping these veterans is really the least we can do, and we just love doing it,” Whatley said.

Through donations to support their walk, the brothers of ATO raised $105,000.

“There’s plenty of other things we could be doing over spring break, but all these guys chose to be here and want to be here,” said Marshall.

“The days were grueling, the days were long, the pain was sometimes unbearable,” Taylor said.

“Six days, they’re long, they’re grueling, they’re painful, but it’s all worth it, really,” said Whatley.

The brothers say they make the trek to show thanks for those who fought for our nation.

“All you can do is push through. You know you’ve got your brothers supporting you. You’ve got veterans that are so proud of you and rooting for you in the best ways, so, it’s worth every second and every step,” said Taylor.

After the home stretch stroll through Pier Park, everything culminated with a big-time celebration on the beach with family and friends.

“The goal is always just to make it to the water, that’s what people look forward to. You’ve had a long six days, it’s been hot, it’s been cold, so you really just want to get in that water,” Marshall said.

To help Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega brothers raise money for next year’s Walk Hard event, donate here.