guardian revival Blog

Information & resources about our programs, outdoor adventures, dogs, music, peer support, mental health, and wellness.

Guardian Revival is a non-profit with free programs for guardians (active & retired):
Active Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue,
Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.

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Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

Carry the Weight: How to Ruck

Rucking for the One Mile Challenge: this year, the second week of the One Mile Challenge (September 7–13) is Carry the Weight Week, powered by GORUCK. The idea behind this week belongs to everyone taking on OMC this year — and rucking is a great physical fitness practice in general, so we wanted to explain what it's really about.

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Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

5 Years of OMC & 2 Perspectives

This is the 5th Annual One Mile Challenge — five years of guardians, families, and communities across the country moving for one mile a day for the 30 days of September. At this special five-year marker, we wanted to look back at where OMC came from and the stories & perspectives of two people who've carried it from idea into impactful initiative: Alex Othmer, GR co-founder and former Navy SEAL, and Kim Haight, current GR CEO and civilian — and why it matters so much.

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Taking on the Challenge: 5 Years, 5 Stories

There are many stories behind people's miles, and many reasons people care about our mission of improving the lives of guardians and their families through the free programs and events we offer here at Guardian Revival. As we approach our 5th OMC this September, we wanted to highlight five stories of people who take part and why.

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Join our 2026 One Mile Challenge | Registration Guide

2026 marks the fifth year of OMC! We invite you to join our annual One Mile Challenge: a month-long movement supporting the mental health and well-being of military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. The challenge is simple: walk, run, roll, or ruck one mile each day throughout September. Whether you’re participating on your own, joining a team, or rallying your friends, family, coworkers, or community, every mile helps raise awareness and funds for our free programs serving guardians and their families.

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2026 GR 5K Race Event Recap

On Sunday, our community gathered in Carmel, New York, for the inaugural Guardian Revival 5K Race. Military members, veterans, first responders, families, friends, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters came together for a morning filled with movement, encouragement, laughter, and connection. And while participants did a great job racing the clock, what matters most is being able to show up, move, and connect with community. We’re so grateful to everyone who made this day such a success!

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Guardian Revival, Peer Services Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Peer Services Kevin Davis

Our Guardians Behind the Walls: National Corrections Officers Week

Every day, across the United States, correctional officers step behind secure doors and fortified walls to do a job that most people never see, but that every community depends on. National Corrections Officers Week is an opportunity to change all that. It’s a moment each year that gives a chance to pause and recognize the officers and staff who serve on the front lines of our justice system.

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Champions, Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Champions, Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

Guardian Revival 5K Race in Carmel: Community Coming Together

Join us for the Guardian Revival 5K Race in Carmel on Sunday, May 17, along the scenic Putnam Trailway at Lake Gleneida. Wherever you are, however you want to join, there’s a reason and a way for you to get involved. The in-person event will be timed and top finishers will receive medals, virtual participation available for people outside the Hudson Valley, and we’ve got a Kids ½ Mile Fun Run before the main event! Team competition & awards for departments, businesses & community groups, and individual top finishers.

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Champions, Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Champions, Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

How to Fundraise for a Marathon (Real Strategies for Charity Runners)

Your guide to becoming a charity runner and raising money with purpose. Because running 26.2 miles is hard, but asking people for money can feel even harder. For our Guardian Revival Champions and other charity runners, fundraising is part of the reason to hit the pavement, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The good news is that effective fundraising isn’t about being pushy or perfect. It’s about being clear, consistent, and personal.

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Guardian Revival, Homefront, Peer Services Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival, Homefront, Peer Services Katherine Conaway

What Love Looks Like

Media and representations of love, especially around Valentine’s Day, tend to focus on big expressions: flowers, dinner reservations, dramatic declarations. But most love — the kind that actually sustains people — is quieter than that. It looks like showing up, listening, and staying when things are uncomfortable. And for many, this kind of emotional connection was never explicitly taught.

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Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

5 Practical Tips for the Winter Blues

Shorter days, colder weather, and disrupted routines can affect mood and energy. Many people experience the “winter blues” — a seasonal dip in motivation, sleep quality, and overall mood. The good news: research consistently shows that small, consistent actions can help regulate mood during the winter months. Here are some easy, evidence-based ways to support your mental health during winter.

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Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month isn’t just a date on a calendar — it’s a global movement. Every September, organizations, advocates, and communities come together to raise awareness and promote healing.

This month is more than just individual awareness — it’s a time to build connections, show unyielding compassion, and become a force for positive change.

It calls on us to educate ourselves and others about the risk factors, warning signs, and myths surrounding suicide. It encourages us to open our hearts and have stigma-free conversations about mental health. It empowers those who are struggling to seek help and reminds them that they’re not alone.

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Walking Together For Those Who Serve: The One Mile Challenge Presented By GOVX

Guardian Revival’s One Mile Challenge is a 30-day virtual event held every September during Suicide Awareness Month.

Participants commit to walking, running, or rolling one mile each day—30 miles in 30 days—to raise awareness and critical funds that support veteran and first responder suicide prevention programs.

This nationwide challenge is open to anyone, anywhere, and helps fuel Guardian Revival’s free programs that build community, provide mental health support, and ensure no guardian walks alone. Sign up today and take the first step toward making a difference.

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Join the 2025 One Mile Challenge

We invite (and encourage!) you to join our upcoming annual One Mile Challenge: a movement to support the mental health and well-being of our military, veterans, and first responders, and their families. OMC participants commit to walking, running, or rolling just one mile a day, every day of September. Learn more about the challenge, how to join, and how to help spread the word!

The challenge is simple, flexible, and powerful for you — and every mile helps raise awareness & funds for our free programs for guardians and their families.

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The Research Is Clear: Guardians Need Support. We are Here to Help.

The RAND Corporation and Benjamin Center (SUNY New Paltz) surveyed thousands of guardians across New York State. Their studies confirm what many already know — guardians face serious mental health challenges and aren’t getting the care they need. At Guardian Revival, we offer the kind of trusted, barrier-free support these reports recommend for military, veterans, first responders — and their families.

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Boots & Paws Kevin Davis Boots & Paws Kevin Davis

The Putnam County Guardian Dog Park

We’re honored to announce the dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park — a collaborative project between Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program — designed with compassion, connection, and community in mind.

Located in the Upper Park of Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, this 50,000 square foot facility was created to provide a space where veterans, first responders, and their dogs can train, play, and connect. The park includes a public dog run for recreation, and a future training course is planned for K9 handlers, Boots & Paws recipients, and local agencies.

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Guardian Revival Kevin Davis Guardian Revival Kevin Davis

Military Appreciation Month

Our military service members (and their families) invest their time and physical, mental, and emotional health into their roles.

At Guardian Revival, our mission is to serve guardians & families, helping to improve their mental health & well-being.

During Military Appreciation Month, we recognize the significance of their service, both for our country & communities and for the individuals who serve. We invite you to learn more about this month and how we can honor our military service members & veterans.

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Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis

Vietnam Veterans Day: Remembering Their Service & Sacrifice

Every year on March 29th, the United States observes Vietnam Veterans Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring those who served during the Vietnam War. Over 2.7 million American service members were deployed, and more than 58,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The war deeply affected not only those who fought but also the nation as a whole.

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Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis

With No Name on the Marquee: A Window Into the Experiences of a Vietnam Veteran

When the curtains rise on “With No Name on the Marquee, they’ll reveal a man stepping back into his past, and that of many of his fellow Vietnam Veterans, and the ways in which he grapples with the experiences in the war and the return to civilian life after his tour.

A cathartic experience for Veterans, active military, and civilians alike, this one-man, one-act play will transport audiences into the world of Veteran Vietnam as he shares his experiences and shines a light on what it means to have served in and returned from the Vietnam War.

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Another Summit Katherine Conaway Another Summit Katherine Conaway

The 5 Best Fire Starters for Hiking & Camping

Being able to quickly start a fire can be a literal life saver in a survival situation. While the forest provides many efficient tinder sources, wet conditions or an unfamiliar environment may slow your ability to find them — which is why many hikers & campers choose to carry their own. Learn how to make your own fire starters, including wax matches and fire cups!

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