Todd Bates Memorial 50 Mile Ruck

This is my good friend, Todd Bates. He died on December 10th, 2003 in Iraq while trying to save another soldier from drowning. While on an Iraqi Police River Patrol Boat, a soldier fell overboard wearing a full combat load. Todd stripped his gear and immediately dove into the water. Neither man was ever seen alive again.

Todd grew up in a southern Ohio called Bellaire, and joined the Army with hopes getting out of his small town and seeing the world. In order to join the Army, Todd had to lose over 100lbs. He lost that weight by strapping on a backpack and going for long walks along the country roads near Bellaire.

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Todd's death, I am doing a 50 Mile Ruck. Joining me will be members of my Army Platoon who served with him and some of his childhood friends. I would like to use this event to raise money for his hometown football team.

Some of the money raised will be used to facilitate travel, boarding and support for the event, the rest will be donated to the high school football team in Bellaire Ohio in Todd's name.