--- title: "This Green Beret wants you to ruck ’50 for the Fallen’ this year" description: "Green Beret and Army Master Sergeant Chad Conley may be about to retire after 20 years of service to this country. He’s just getting started. " date: "2023-03-29" modified: "2023-04-01" authors: - name: "Jessica Manfre" job_title: "Coast Guard Spouse, Contributor" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/jessicamanfre/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-moments/this-green-beret-wants-you-to-ruck-50-for-the-fallen-this-year/" categories: - "Special Operations" - "Tactical" - "Veterans" --- # This Green Beret wants you to ruck ’50 for the Fallen’ this year ![A group of people walking along a road in a lush, green area, many wearing black tank tops with a gold emblem. Next to this, a soldier in full camouflage gear, wearing a helmet with mounted equipment, orange-tinted glasses, and a scarf around the neck, holding a rifle and smiling, with a mountainous desert landscape in the background.]() [Green Beret and Army Master Sergeant]() Chad Conley may be about to retire after 20 years of service to this country, but he’s just getting started. “I came into the service back in 2003 as 18x. I was in college during 9/11 and just felt like I had to do something. I had a bunch of family stuff happen that made me take a step back and evaluate what's going on and at that point, I knew I wanted to serve. So with blue hair, and some big gauge earrings and some other piercings, I walk into a recruiter station,” he laughed. “I looked at the Navy guy and he just turned his head, looked at me and shook his head and kind of walked back to his office. The Army talked to me, and the next thing I knew, I signed an 18x contract.” There wasn’t a long line of military service, though his father was in the Marine Corps before he was born. His signature with the recruiter ensured he’d head right to the “Q” course after basic training. After finishing the grueling requirements, Conley [earned his long tab and the coveted Green Beret](). He was assigned to 10th Special Forces Group out of Colorado and spent his entire career there. About two years ago, he helped set up the Summit program for the group, allowing transitioning Green Berets to do so successfully in wrap-around services. Mental health providers, Warrior Care Coalition and organizations like the Green Beret Foundation come in to work with the team guys, giving them the support they need as they leave the service. But he wanted to do even more. ![50 for the Fallen]() *Photo courtesy of 50 for the Fallen.* “During the height of the pandemic in March of 2020 we didn’t know what was going on and I was still dealing with some deaths from combat and suicide,” Conley explained. “I was going to therapy and it was helpful but I wanted to do something deeper within myself.” The idea for a ruck was born, 50 miles in 18 hours. “I got so tired going up this one hill and my ruck was so heavy. Out of nowhere I started screaming my friend Pat’s name and then I’m crying and just letting it all out,” he added. Then his friends wanted to join in and before long the next one was in New York City on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. “We started at Yankee Stadium and ended up at ground zero. That was the first official 50 for the fallen,” Conley shared. “I found that the experience was like medicine for a lot of people. At the beginning of each event I ask people to set their intentions and determine why they’re doing it.” It’s gotten bigger with the [new partnership with Spartan Race](). The plan is to have multiple events all over the country. “People are able to actually open up because once you're tired and you're all beat up and dirty. your ego is gone and all you have is yourself. At that point you might as well just be who you are,” he said. ![Three people stand on a wooden covered bridge with a car parked behind them. The person on the left wears camouflage pants, a black long-sleeve shirt with a gold circular logo, a cap, and blue sneakers, and is eating something. The person in the middle wears black leggings, a black jacket, a black shirt with the same gold logo, a cap, and gray sneakers, smiling at the camera. The person on the right wears black shorts, a black shirt with the gold logo, a black vest, a cap, and bright orange sneakers, holding a phone as if taking a photo or video. The bridge has wooden lattice sides and is surrounded by trees.]() ![A vertical banner stands on grass next to a table covered with a black cloth under a tent. The banner features a skull wearing a helmet and sunglasses with the text "RALLY + RECOVER" in bold red letters. It promotes rapid hydration for sports, exercise, muscle cramps, travel, heat, and hangovers, with a photo of a woman exercising. Two people are behind the table, one facing away and the other partially visible, with various items on the table. The scene is outdoors with sunlight casting shadows.]() *Photo courtesy of 50 for the Fallen.* ![A group of people posing outdoors in an urban setting, holding a white banner with a red and blue circular logo that reads "Fifty For The Fallen" and the website "50FOR THE FALLEN.COM." Many individuals are wearing matching olive green shirts with the same logo, and some are dressed in casual or tactical attire. The background features modern buildings and a distinctive white architectural structure.]() The team just wrapped up a successful event in Atlanta with the next one planned for Austin in April. In the next year, Conley wants to take it international. More than the physical and mental challenge of 50 miles through the night, it’s about the moments between participants. The stories and comradery shared as everyone puts everything into the journey. To commemorate 9/11 for 2023, there will be a 50 for the Fallen in New York City, Washington, D.C. and at the United 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania. ![A person standing on grass at dusk or dawn, holding an American flag on a pole. The flag is draped over their shoulders, and they are wearing a dark jacket, shorts, and red shoes. The background includes trees and some fencing.]() *Courtesy photo 50 for the Fallen* “You don’t have to do all 50 miles either. We have a car that will bring you to certain points and pick you up if you are struggling,” Conley explained. “Everything we raise for these events sends veterans to outpatient therapies and mental healthtreatments. That’s my goal in all this, making sure people get the help they need.” To learn more about 50 for the Fallen and join in, [click here](). ## Author Jessica is a clinical social worker, writer, and military advocate whose work for We Are The Mighty focuses on the lived realities of military service, especially the moments that come after the uniform comes off. Her writing centers on veterans, military spouses, and families navigating transition, identity, resilience, and healing, often blending clinical insight with deeply human storytelling. She covers leadership, service, community impact, and the cultural shifts shaping today’s military-connected population, frequently drawing from interviews with senior military leaders, influencers, and grassroots voices across the space. Beyond writing, Jessica serves as Director of MilSpouseFest and works as a Military Events Manager, leading national campaigns and large-scale events that bring military communities together. She is the author of Never Alone (Moody Publishers) and is currently developing her next book, After the Battle. When she’s not writing or advocating, Jessica can usually be found with a good cup of coffee in hand, tackling her ever-growing TBR, hiking with her dog, or spending quality time with her family. She is a proud military spouse of an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard member and draws inspiration from the resilience, humor, and heart of military life every day. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]()