There’s a nonprofit organization called “Do You Give A Ruck,” or “#DoYouGiveARuck” also known as “DYGAR,” that is designed to promote local businesses, veterans, and to feed the homeless.

Sebastian Daily is currently involved with Advocates to End Homelessness in Indian River County to help the homeless in our community with the necessary items that they need.

So, we really appreciate an organization like DYGAR getting involved. They rely on local sponsors and individual participants to raise money for other organizations.

We recently saw a story that Brittany Norair wrote on Facebook about why she joined DYGAR. The story is very inspiring.

“I found out about DYGAR from my friend Jimmy Lee. I saw his social media blowing up about this rucking stuff, which I had no idea what it was about,” Norair said.

The more Norair learned, the more she was going to get involved. Last July, she decided to “give a ruck” and attend an event. She took her camera to capture what Jimmy Lee and his team were doing to share it on social media.

However, a week before the event, she got some bad news about her back. She was experiencing back pain and wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to participate in the event. Either way, Norair planned on taking photos.

“When I got there, I didn’t care about my back pain. I cared about what a great group of people who were coming together to help their community,” Norair said.

“With that being said, my addictive personality kicked in immediately, and I wanted to be a bigger part of this. I was hooked. I definitely gave a ruck. I rucked 4 miles while taking photos and flying my drone for the first time. It was such a great event,” Norair added.

Norair said a few days after the event, Jimmy Lee and the Board invited her to the team as a “combat” photographer. Norair says the opportunity came at a perfect time.

She also has a story to tell about her very inspiring background.

“I am an alcoholic, and I had to find that out by losing my marriage and getting two DUIs (driving while intoxicated) after losing my father to a heart attack. This all happened within four years. I spiraled all the way down to the basement of my rock-bottom. After my second DUI, the Indian River court system offered me a program called drug court. This is a program where they try to rehabilitate you in an outpatient setting. I began that journey on 8/22/18, the last day I drank. I am 525 days sober today,” Norair said.

She was very nervous approaching the end of the year-long program. So, she was really worried about relapse.

“I really worried about not having the accountability of the program to keep me sober. And then, just as always, God gave me exactly what I needed. Right when I didn’t know what was next, DYGAR showed me what was next. Little did this team know; they were giving me a reason to keep fighting for my sobriety and myself. My love for photography has been renewed. My 12 step of service has been fulfilled. And anytime I am struggling or celebrating, I have my team, and my family, standing by me,” Norair said.

Norair says a person doesn’t have to be a veteran or someone with PTSD to be part of the team.

“You can pray to God or to your rifle, and we will still welcome you. We come from all walks of life. None of our roads were easy, but our journeys are easier together. This is why I am part of DYGAR. So this divorced 34-year-old with two DUIs is now sober, saved, a Board Member, and hopeful for the future,” she said.