EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – Volunteers with a nonprofit out of Dallas, Texas are marching their way across the country. One of their stops was in the Chippewa Valley Monday. 

‘Carry The Load’ is a nonprofit founded by two U.S. Navy Seals dedicated to providing active ways to honor and remember the sacrifices made by our military, veterans, first responders and their families.

Preston Russakov, this legs captain, is carrying Staff Sergeant Jonathan Schmidt who died in Afghanistan. He said it’s important to remember and keep their names alive.

“Because they provide us with everything we have. To keep our liberty and our freedom here, I think it’s really important to keep them in mind. Never let somebody die twice,” Russakov said. “The first time they die physically, the second, is the last time someone says their name.”

This Midwestern route started Sunday in Minneapolis, and will finish Monday night in La Crosse. Then, volunteers will make their way to Wisconsin Dells Tuesday, eventually finishing in Dallas Texas on May 26.

The public is welcome to join the crew throughout their journey. To see the full list of Midwestern stops, click here.