Annually, Ashland University’s fraternity, Kappa Sigma presents the Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes event to raise money for homeless veterans and veterans in need. 

Starting at the flagpole in the quad, the brothers of Kappa Sigma and other community members will wear an extra 40 pounds and run a route that ends back at the flagpole. This is to simulate what those in active duty go through day-to-day.  

“Although it’s not perfect,” said Kayin McDonald, the philanthropy committee chair and four-year Kappa Sigma member, “it helps commemorate their achievements and the sacrifice they’ve made.”  

From now until the end of the event, Kappa Sigma is searching for sponsorships and donations to raise money for shoes, socks, and other essential items for veterans in need.  

“Our veterans are the only reason that we get to enjoy the freedoms we do have,” said Brien Conrad, the board director for the Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes foundation. “So, if somebody is down and out, why not give back to help support them?”  

This event will take place on April 13.  

Following the event on that same day, a banquet will be held at the Mount Vernon Estates event venue in Ashland.  =

“This year [the banquet] is going to be about 10 times bigger than it’s been any other year,” McDonald said with enthusiasm, “We’ve already met with the mayor and the philanthropy committee, and the plan now is to have the banquet tied with the city.”  

This joint banquet will include high school seniors who are enlisting as well as an announcement about the total amount of money they were able to raise.  

More information can be found on Kappa Sigma’s Instagram and website.