U.S. Army Reserve and Milwaukee Police Department Host Ruck March Benefiting Hunger Task Force

May 7, 2024

For the fifth consecutive year, reservists and police officers are helping keep our Milwaukee neighbors fed with their Annual 10K Ruck March. Hunger Task Force is grateful to be the beneficiary of the recent Ruck March organized by the U.S. Army Reserve Alpha Company 3-334 Drill Sergeant Unit and the Milwaukee Police Department.

Spearheaded by Melvin Finkley, a seasoned Homicide Detective with the Milwaukee Police Department and a Sergeant First Class (SFC) Senior Drill Sergeant for the Army Reserve, the Ruck March unites community members, law enforcement and military personnel. Leveraging his 11-year tenure in law enforcement and 19 years of service in the Army, Detective Finkley fostered a robust partnership among these entities to organize this collaborative event.

Driven by his experience with the Milwaukee Police Department witnessing firsthand the struggles of many residents, Detective Finkley explains the motivation behind this unique charitable ruck march, “I wanted to combine the challenge of the march with a way to give back to our community.”

The four-mile march stretched from District 3 Police Department to Washington Park. Together, over 60 participants hauled over 2,850 pounds of food donations. These contributions, facilitated by Hunger Task Force’s extensive network of food pantries, meal sites, and shelters, will directly benefit local families, children, and seniors facing food insecurity.

The Ruck March, often referred to as “rucking,” is a fundamental element of military training. It strengthens physical resilience and stamina, while also building mental fortitude – Milwaukee’s Ruck March strengthens bodies and communities by tackling hunger head-on.

The Hunger Task Force extends its deepest gratitude to the U.S. Army Reserve Alpha Company 3-334 Drill Sergeant Unit and the Milwaukee Police Department for their commitment to fighting hunger in our community. Their collaborative efforts serve as an inspiring example of the positive change that can be achieved when different groups march together towards the goal of ending hunger.

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.