"We had a solid turnout" Pake McNally said of the second annual Memorial Stateline Ruck March. He said 20 participants met at Kiowa's Community Building early Saturday morning, put on their hiking shoes, filled their backpacks with canned goods and headed west on Stateline Road toward Hardtner, Kansas.

Steve Leech

Kiowa woman Debbie Leech is one of about 20 people who walked the Stateline Muck March to help fill Barber County food banks.

It was a cool morning as beautiful as the intent of the American Legion 175 and Sons of the American Legion at Hardtner. They continue the tradition to honor fallen veterans and help fill the food banks of Barber County, Kansas.

In the 11-mile journey, the patriotic walkers gathered not only 600 pounds of non-perishable food for the Barber County food banks (north and south). McNally said they collected over $1,000 cash for the American Legion.

Co-workers Debbie Leech and Tim Thomason walked the 11 miles together. Leech said they filled their bags with 25 pounds of canned goods. "It was a challenge, but we finished! And we weren't last! That was our goal."

"We're growing slowly," McNally said. A runner himself, McNally wants to incorporate a half-marathon race into the Ruch March next year.

He said some other ideas for the Sons of the American Legion for fun and fundraising including: poker night, a cornhole tournament; cruise night with cars and motorcycles. Stay tuned.