Join us starting Friday, July 4, 2025

March for Freedom: Cover 800 miles together, honor military veterans, preserve our trails

ATTN: ALL military veterans, service members, families, and supporters! YOU are invited to participate in the first Arizona Trail Operation Freedom March campaign. This year-long initiative commences on July 4, 2025, and concludes on Independence Day, July 4, 2026, in celebration of America's 250th Anniversary.

Operation Freedom March challenges participants to hike, ride, or 'hoof' sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail until ALL 800 MILES have collectively been covered by our community.

Team RWB Eagle Expedition and AZT VETS celebrating Memorial Day weekend together on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon — honoring service, building community, and conquering miles on the Arizona Trail.

Mission Objectives:

• Engage the Ranks: Involve at least 250 members of Arizona’s military community, fostering camaraderie and shared purpose.

• Allied Forces Welcome: To strengthen community bonds and encourage participation from families, supporters, and the general public.

• Support the Mission: Fundraising opportunities for the Arizona Trail Association’s (ATA) Veterans Engagement and Trail Stewardship (VETS) Program, enhancing trail preservation and veteran support initiatives.

Over Veterans Day weekend, Team Rubicon West Branch and AZT VETS joined forces to build a brand-new connector trail from the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground on Mt. Lemmon — enhancing access to the Arizona Trail while honoring service through stewardship.

Operational Details:

• Mission Launch: The campaign officially starts on July 4, 2025, symbolizing freedom and national pride.

• Deployment Window: Participants can choose any time within the year-long window to complete their selected trail segments, allowing flexibility to accommodate individual schedules and capabilities.

• Engagement Options: Participants may join established VETS Program activities or independently navigate trail segments, promoting inclusivity and personal challenge.

Volunteers with the AZT VETS Program maintain and reinforce sections of the Arizona Trail near Happy Jack in the Coconino National Forest—working together to improve sustainability and ensure the trail endures for generations to come.

Command Structure:

• Team Formation: Participants are encouraged to form units (teams) reflecting military squad structures, promoting teamwork and leadership.

• Unit Leaders: Designate team leaders (e.g., “Squad Leaders”) to coordinate logistics, communication, and morale.

Over Memorial Day weekend, AZT VETS and Team RWB Eagle Expedition shared incredible vistas and reflections from camp within Miller Peak Wilderness—overlooking Mexico and honoring service, sacrifice, and the bonds forged on the trail.

Community Engagement:

• Mission Therapy: Join us on the AZT for a future volunteer event open to the general public, or opportunities designed specifically for veterans and their families.

• Allied Events: Organize community gatherings to deepen connections and shared purpose.

• Storytelling Campaigns: Document and share your experiences through blogs, videos, or photo essays, enriching the campaign narrative.

Fox Squad crew members Dallas "Grit" Stevens and Derek Duba winding down after a long day on the trail—sharing music, camaraderie, and the spirit of the service to the Arizona Trail.