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.
Carry The Load is made possible through support of our corporate partners.
See the elite list of supporters.
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.
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 is for all Americans to unite in honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.
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
261,594+
Participants
67
Community Events
50
States
29
Countries
236
Education Programs
Have more questions about where our time and funds are allocated? Contact us.
View our latest Form 990.
"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