Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake
Second Annual Ruck, Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake
Wappingers Rural Cemetery
Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:00am
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About
To commemorate my dad, we started "Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake" on his anniversary, it is about a 5-mile ruck march starting at the cemetery where he lays to rest, Wappingers Rural Cemetery to the War Memorial on All Angels Hills Road, right down the road from where my parents lived (my mom still lives there). This ruck was started last year, as a way to honor my dad, for being the man that he was and to bring more attention to the many who battle with PTSD. He is someone that I have always looked up to, someone who supported me and was my best friend. By rucking in his honor, we hope to raise money and support for a charity that provides a K9 for every veteran battling with PTSD. Rocky brought our dad happiness and light when things seemed sad and dark, and we are hoping to help provide that for all others in need of happiness, joy and support that a service animal can bring.
Through partnering with Guardian Revival, we hope to support those who may not be in a place to ask for help, those who dedicated their life to serving our country and returned with scars that we will never be able to see. A dog is so much more than a pet. They provide unconditional love, support, happiness and smiles, all while focusing their attention on the one that stands beside them. A dog can save a life in ways that some may never understand. We are thankful for Rocky to be that for my dad and look to continue to provide that support for any veteran that needs it.
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military & first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them
Who we serve
Our guardians are military & first responders — a far broader group than most people assume or imagine, who are exposed to mental & physical trauma & stress.
We serve all guardians — active, former, and retired:
Active Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.
Our Homefront program focuses on the family and provides experiences, education, and support for the spouses, partners, and children of military and first responders.
Programs
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
Homefront | Support & resources for military & first responder families
Your contribution
makes a difference
By making a donation, you make a positive impact on the lives of our military & first responders in New York, the Northeast, and across the country.
About John "Johnny Cake" Coschigano Jr.
In John "Johnny Cake" Coschigano Jr was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp, joining the service when he was 17 years old. He served in the Vietnam War. He was married to Ann Coschigano for 53 years and had two children, Daniel and Alissa. John resided in Wappingers Falls with his wife Ann for 31 years. He had an Emotional Support Dog named Rocky, who was his best friend and never left his side. When he was 34, he developed an interest in Woodturning, teaching himself different styles, fascinated by wood and the things he could make out of it. He began to do art shows all over the county to sell his wood pieces, where they would become great decor for someone's home. He was a man of few words, but he was full of passion and heart.
Later in life, John suffered through some major injuries and illnesses, resulting in several operations internally, as well as to his back and foot, which should have left him in a wheelchair. He refused to ever be pushed around (literally) and fought through all of his pain, nerve damage and issues in an effort to continue living his life as uninterrupted as possible. Though, as he aged, this became more difficult for him to overcome. As he started to spend more time at home and on the couch, he was faced with memories that he didn't want to relive.
As John got older, he found himself affected by PTSD more and more. When he turned 70, nights were no longer pleasant as his dreams were often haunted by memories of War. He continued his battle with PTSD, silently fighting off thoughts that caused pain and heartache. At the age of 73, John lost his battle with PTSD on September 6th 2022.