Who We Are

About Carry The Load

Founded by Veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley, Carry The Load started as a mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. Today, it has grown to include more than just our military heroes and more than just the one holiday. Carry The Load works to bring all Americans together to participate in honoring our nation’s heroes every day. Please donate to support our mission.

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Carry The Load is made possible through support of our corporate partners.
See the elite list of supporters.

The Founding Story

A brief timeline

2022

New England Route

Added a New England Route from Burlington, VT to Dallas, TX for a total 20,000 miles, 96 Community Events and 48 states.

2021

A Decade of Honor

Celebrated A Decade of Honor, raised $2 million in peer-to-peer fundraising, covered 15,500 miles, 76 Community Events in 42 states.

2020

Mountain States Route

Added a Mountain States Route from Minot, ND to Dallas, TX before pivoting Memorial May to 15,500 virtual miles and the Dallas Memorial Drive.

2019

Midwest Route

Added a Midwest Route from Minneapolis, MN to Dallas, TX for a total 11,500 miles, 81 Community Events and 40 states.

2018

VA National Cemetery Administration

Started a strategic collaboration with the VA National Cemetery Administration; added National Cemeteries as Community Events for a total of 67 Community Events and 26 states.

2017

Carry The Flag

Introduced the Carry The Flag Education Program.

2016

West Coast Route

Added a West Coast Route from Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX for a total 6,600 miles, 33 Community Events and 18 states.

2012

National Relay

Started the National Relay with an East Coast Route from West Point, NY to Dallas, TX covering 2,000 miles, 1 Community Event and 13 states.

2011

Dallas Memorial March

Carry The Load began with a Dallas Memorial March at White Rock Lake in Dallas for 20-hours and 11-minutes with 400 participants and raising nearly $50,000 on Memorial Day.

OUR MISSION

To provide active ways to honor and remember our nation’s heroes by connecting Americans to the sacrifices made by our military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

OUR VISION

Our vision is for all Americans to unite in honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

OUR GOALS

To increase awareness and educate Americans of the daily sacrifices made by those who protect our freedom and liberties.

To provide opportunities for Americans to actively honor those in the military and first responder community.

To raise funds that provide healing to the mind, body, and soul of our nation’s service members and their families.

Our impact

Of the $42.0M raised since 2011, 93% goes towards our three programs: Awareness, Continuum of Care, and Education.

$42,412,839

Raised Since 2011

People icon

261,594+

Participants

69

Community Events

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50

States

29

Countries

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236

Education Programs

View Impact Report

Have more questions about where our time and funds are allocated? Contact us.

View our latest Form 990.

Never forget backpack
Carry the Load backpack

"The unintended consequence of starting Carry The Load is I am educating my kids about service and sacrifice."

Stephen Holley
President & CEO | Carry The Load