The brothers of Troy University's Kappa Beta chapter of Alpha Tau Omega pose with their fraternity banner at the end of a previous Walk Hard event. The hike from Troy to Panama City Beach raises money for wounded veterans to go on outdoor adventure trips.  

Brothers of Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity are going to Panama City Beach for spring break, but not to party. In fact, by the time they get to the beach, spring break will practically be over.

Starting March 3, the Kappa Beta chapter are hiking from their campus to Panama City Beach to raise money for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, a Florida-based charity that allows veterans to participate in hunting trips and other outdoor experiences.

Troy junior Joseph Carpenter, a 2014 Athens High graduate, is joining the fundraiser this year. Preparation for Walk Hard 2017 has been an eye-opening experience, he told The News Courier on Monday.

“A lot of people say it’s one of the hardest things they’ve done, but, honestly, I’d rather do this than partying on the beach,” he said. “It’s a really small price to serve those that have already served us.”

The fraternity brothers have been visited by wounded veterans, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as the lasting effects of physical injuries, and heard their stories. Then they speak about how the Jeep Sullivan program has helped them emotionally connect to other veterans and not feel restricted by their disabilities.

The most surprising thing, Carpenter said, is the vets also thank the young men for raising money to support the charity.

“It’s hard to hear, but these guys are thanking us — it has a big impact on me” he said. “I just want to be able to serve others.”

Walk Hard has been a tradition of the fraternity for several years, but this is the first time for Carpenter. They will start out walking along highways and byways from Troy through South Alabama, cross the Alabama-Florida line and end their six-day, 128.3-mile hike on the sands of Panama City Beach’s Pier Park.

Along the way, they will camp at churches and receive food and water from a support team making the journey by car.

“I’m excited,” Carpenter said. “It’s gonna’ be a long six days. I’m just going to try to mentally prepare.”

The goal is to raise $40,000 for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures. They’ve started already by setting up a GoFundMe page for anyone to contribute. If achieved, this would eclipse the 2016 total of $25,000.

To help Carpenter and Alpha Tau Omega, visit https://www.gofundme.com/walkhard-2017. Keep up with this year’s event by visiting the Alpha Tau Omega Walk Hard Facebook page.