Rucks On Main, a nonprofit organization based in Temple, TX, was founded in 2020 by Wes Albanese. The mission behind Rucks On Main is advocating, mentoring, and educating the community on the reintegration process for Veterans and their families. This mission extends beyond just providing support; it is about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
 
The driving force behind Rucks On Main is a personal one. “My why to start the organization was to keep the memories and legacy of our military community alive,” said Wes Albanese, founder of Rucks On Main. “Everybody has probably lost a family member in the military or has known somebody who has passed away in the military. It is very important to honor them, and remember them for the sacrifices they made to keep this country free.”
 
The key initiative of Rucks On Main is their biannual military-themed ruck marches, one on Memorial Day which honors fallen military members, and the other on Veterans Day which supports the military community.
 
The Memorial Day 10K Ruck March is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Downtown Temple. The march begins at the Santa Fe Plaza, with a route traversing through downtown north through the historic district and looping back to conclude at the Santa Fe Plaza.
 
For the Memorial Day event, event organizers ask that participants carry pictures of fallen Military Service Members or First Responders on their rucksacks/backpacks. This symbolic act not only pays homage to the brave souls who have been lost but also serves as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.
 
Participants carry up to 40 pounds of non-perishable food items in their rucksacks/backpacks that are donated to Operation Feeding Temple.  
 
Over the years, Rucks On Main has achieved remarkable milestones. “To date, we have collected over 40,000 pounds of food that our participants have donated after the ruck marches,” continued Albanese. “We have also donated proceeds of over $5,000 to local nonprofits.”
 
As Rucks On Main continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to honoring Veterans, supporting their reintegration journey, and fostering community connections remains strong. Through their biannual ruck marches, donations, and volunteer efforts they make positive impacts on the lives of Veterans and their families, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
 
Reflecting on the impact the organization and its initiatives have had since its founding in 2020, Albanese said, “Not only do we have incredible support and participation locally and regionally, but we also have participants that come from all over the United States for this event. We are truly thankful for the community’s involvement!”
 
Those interested in participating in the Memorial Day 10K Ruck March should visit https://runsignup.com/rom2024memorialday.

​As Veterans Day approaches, the Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight the invaluable contributions of veteran-owned businesses in our community. These enterprises stand as a testament to the dedication and commitment of our nation's heroes, significantly enriching our local economy and job market.
 
Within our Chamber of Commerce, we have 46 veteran-owned businesses as members, each offering diverse goods and services to our community. From mouthwatering barbecue, craft beer, and chimney cleaning to martial arts, voice and piano lessons, and elegant wedding dresses, these local veteran entrepreneurs have transformed their military discipline and determination into successful ventures, leaving a lasting impact on our local economy.
 
These businesses not only provide essential goods and services but also create employment opportunities for both fellow veterans and civilians. Additionally, they actively participate in charitable initiatives, supporting veterans’ organizations, educational programs, and local community events. Their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact mirrors their sense of duty, both in business and within our community.
 
By supporting and celebrating these ventures, we not only honor their service to our country but also express our deep gratitude. Veterans Day and every day, it is crucial to recognize and support the men and women who have served in our armed forces and continue to serve our community through their entrepreneurial spirit. As a Chamber of Commerce, we take immense pride in saluting these remarkable individuals and their businesses, showcasing our heartfelt appreciation for their contributions to our community's growth and prosperity.

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The Temple Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 39th annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service, presented by H-E-B, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

The event brought together 650 business and community members, active-duty soldiers from Temple’s Central Texas Military Partners at Fort Cavazos, veterans, and members of local veterans’ organizations, including American Legion Post #133 and VFW Post #1820.
 
In a new initiative starting in 2020, the Chamber also extended the invitation to First Responders, recognizing the invaluable contributions of local law enforcement, fire and rescue teams, EMS, and medical professionals.


Bell County First Responders led a procession of a dozen veterans from the William R. Courtney State Veterans Home to the Mayborn Convention Center. They traveled north on Third Street from the Central Texas Veterans Health Care Campus to the Mayborn.
 
Temple ISD students from Jefferson Elementary and Lamar Middle School greeted the procession by waving American flags. The veterans who participated are residents of the State Veterans Home and include a World War II Veteran, Purple Heart Recipients, Bronze Star and Silver Star Recipients.

The luncheon featured musical performances by the 1st Cavalry Division Band and the Temple High School Polyfoniks. There was special recognition of two local Vietnam Veterans, where they received their Congressional Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Lapel Pins, and an inspiring keynote speech by Gen. (Ret.) Paul Funk II, uniting the business community in honoring and expressing gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation and the community.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff extend appreciation to all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors for their support, making this event a heartfelt tribute to our military personnel, veterans, and first responders.