Walk Hard Day earns Alabama recognition

Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation for March 13, 2026, to be recognized by the state of Alabama as Walk Hard Day.  

While the proclamation was signed on March 3, 2026,this is not the first year Gov. Ivey has proclaimed Walk Hard Day.  

Walk Hard Day began in the summer of 2009 and has now grown into a state recognized philanthropic event targeted toward supporting wounded veterans. This event has surpassed the expectatations of the two ATO brothers who first initiated the walk.  

“I think it is incredible for Walk Hard Day to be recognized by Governor Ivey, it showed all of our guys that what we do makes a big impact and it also brings more visibility and awareness to our cause which will hopefully translate into more support for the veterans,” said Jaden Scrushy, the current president of Alpha Tau Omega and a junior risk management and insurance majorfrom Houston, Texas.  

Over the years, the long-distance walk has become part of the fraternity legacy at Troy, drawing attention across the state while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to service.   

Members have begun preparing for this year’s event with logistical support from Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, an organization that helps wounded veterans experience outdoor activities despite physical limitations.  

“The legacy behind Walk Hard and the memories you make along the way are something you really can’t replace,” said Griffin Brock, this year’s Walk Hard director and a senior business management major from Panama City, Florida.  

Members say the event continues to grow each year as new generations of fraternity brothers take on the challenge of the 128-mile walk.  

For Alpha Tau Omega, Walk Hard Day has become more than a philanthropy effort. It is a tradition that connects past and present members through a shared commitment to supporting wounded veterans.