In this issue:

• The Brotherhood is Expanding. New Leaders. New Chapters. One Mission.

• Serving Our Communities and Shaping the Next Generation of Men.

• Courage Under Fire: Gary Gordon & Randy Shughart

• Rucking Awesome: Strap In, Step Up!

• He’s not Heavy. He’s my BOB.

Club Mission Statement

The Men of Honor Social Club's mission is to gather in fellowship, support our communities, and develop the next generation of men through mentoring and scholarship.

Men of Honor is Growing!

Rise. Lead. Leave a Legacy.

The Men of Honor Social Club is growing—and we’re calling on bold, principled men across the nation to launch new chapters in their communities. If you believe that honor, strength, and integrity are more than just words—they’re a way of life—then this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

Starting a chapter means joining a brotherhood dedicated to uplifting others, mentoring young men, and standing firm in the values that shape strong communities. Real leadership begins with action. It’s about stepping forward when others stand still.

If you're ready to build something lasting, to inspire others, and to lead with conviction, we want to connect. Reach out to us at [email protected] and take the first step toward founding a Men of Honor chapter in your area.

History remembers those who answer the call. Will you?

Supporting our Community

The Club recently helped End 68 Hours of Hunger Lake County with a food delivery.

End 68 Hours of Hunger is a public non-profit effort to confront the approximately 68 hours of hunger that some school children experience between the free lunch they receive in school Friday and the free breakfast they receive in school Monday. 

Developing the Next Generation

The Men of Honor Foundation is looking to assist young men of Northeast Ohio in their pursuit of higher learning, be that in a university, technical, or trade school. Special consideration will be given to young men raised in a single-parent household and those facing financial hurdles. Other considerations include past school performance, awards and achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and community service, and membership in groups and organizations.

The Men of Honor Foundation will be awarding scholarships for the scholastic school year 2025-2026. Any young man interested in applying, please do so by 6/1/25.

Upon review of all applications, the Men of Honor Scholarship Committee will conduct applicant interviews, designate scholarship winner(s), and determine the allocation of scholarship funds.

Visit our website to apply.

Club Core Competencies

To add value to their families, their communities, and their club, we ask that members be knowledgeable of history, maintain a baseline level of fitness, and be prepared in case of emergency.

Men of Honor in History

This Month We Honor Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart

Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart were elite U.S. Army Delta Force snipers who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993. This conflict, later popularized by the book and film Black Hawk Down, took place in Somalia when a U.S. mission aimed at capturing warlord lieutenants went awry.

As two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by Somali militia, Gordon and Shughart volunteered—multiple times—to be inserted near one of the crash sites to protect the wounded crew, knowing full well their chances of survival were slim. Despite overwhelming enemy numbers and limited supplies, they fought bravely to secure the perimeter and defend the downed crew. Their selfless actions bought critical time for possible rescue and saved the life of the lone survivor, pilot Mike Durant.

Both men were eventually overrun and killed, but their courage and sacrifice left a lasting legacy. For their actions, they were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—the highest U.S. military decoration—becoming the first to receive it since the Vietnam War. Their story is a powerful testament to brotherhood, bravery, and the warrior ethos. Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart are remembered as true American heroes who gave their lives in service to their comrades and country.

Health and Wellness

Let’s Rucking Go!

Rucking—walking with a weighted backpack—offers a simple yet highly effective way to build strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Unlike traditional cardio, rucking adds resistance without the high-impact stress of running, making it easier on the joints while still delivering serious fitness benefits. The extra weight increases calorie burn, strengthens your back, shoulders, and legs, and improves posture and stability. It’s a full-body workout disguised as a walk.

Rucking also enhances cardiovascular health by keeping your heart rate elevated over extended periods, much like hiking or brisk walking. But the mental edge is where rucking really stands out. Carrying a load builds grit—it challenges your discipline, tests your limits, and sharpens focus. There’s a meditative quality to the rhythm of steady movement under load, especially when done outdoors.

Another key benefit? Accessibility. All you need is a backpack and some weight—no gym required. It’s scalable for all fitness levels: just adjust the weight and pace. Whether you're training for a military selection, boosting your fitness, or just looking for a new way to clear your head, rucking is a low-tech, high-impact practice that delivers real-world results. It’s primal, functional, and incredibly rewarding.

Preparation

How Heavy is Your BOB?

The ideal weight for a bug-out bag depends on your physical fitness, terrain, and needs, but general guidelines suggest 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg) for most adults. This typically equates to about 15-20% of your body weight to balance mobility and sustainability.

Key considerations:

• Fitness Level: Stronger individuals may handle up to 40 pounds, while less fit people should aim for 20-25 pounds.

• Essentials Only: Include water (1-2 liters), food (2-3 days), shelter, first aid, and tools. Avoid non-critical items.

• Terrain/Distance: Rough terrain or long distances require lighter loads for endurance.

• Test and Train: Practice rucking with your bag to ensure you can carry it comfortably for extended periods.

For context, military personnel often carry heavier loads (50+ pounds), but bug-out bags prioritize speed and agility. Tailor the weight to your capability and environment. If you need specific gear recommendations or a packing list, let me know!

Final Words

Thank you for reading. We hope you found something of interest, and our newsletter becomes one of your go-to sources of inspiration, motivation, and tactical tips for being a man of honor, strength, and integrity. Walking this path can be lonely, but know that you are not alone. There are millions of men like you. Men who care. Men who want to leave a better world for their children and their children's children; men of honor, strength, and integrity.

If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to subscribe, please visit our website.

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