Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity will have to walk a long, hard road to Panama City Beach for Spring Break. On Friday, March 14, a contingent of ATOs – 36 walkers and 13 support staff – will begin the 128.3 mile walk from Troy University to Pier Park at Panama City Beach. The trek will be the 16th annual Walk Hard, a fraternity fundraiser for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warriors Outdoor Adventures. James Strickland, Walk Hard’s 2025 director, said ATO’s hike directly funds veterans through Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, a nonprofit that assists soldiers in recovering from war, including those living with missing limbs and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Strickland made the journey twice – in his freshman and sophomore years – before becoming the director this year.
“It’s pretty difficult,” he said. “It’s harder on some people than others. Personally, it was more difficult mentally. The walk wasn’t too bad on me, but I saw my brother’s feet all tore up from walking, and that was difficult. But, it’s awesome when you walk into that parking lot [in Panama Ciy] and you see your friends and loved ones waiting you. It’s the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.” The ATO walkers will depart from Troy University on Friday, March 14 and begin walking 128 miles over six days. They are scheduled to arrive at Pier Park around 4 p.m. on March 19. The goal for this year’s campaign is $135,000. Donations can be made at https://ato.crowdchange.co/42070.
“What you’re doing at Walk Hard is going to change your life,” said Jeep Sullivan, the director of the nonprofit, to walkers in 2021 during that year’s campaign. “Nobody will ever be able to tell you that you can’t do something from now on.”
