HOUGHTON – The local members of Sigma Phi Epsilon will be shouldering extra loads Saturday in solidarity with the metaphorical load faced by one of their late brothers and other veterans.

The fraternity’s Michigan Technological University chapter is hosting its annual Justin Fitch Memorial Ruck starting at noon Saturday in honor of Justin Fitch, a Tech alumni who died of terminal cancer last October. The three-mile loop begins on the Walker Lawn on campus, then loops around Houghton’s downtown.

The packs symbolize another facet of Fitch’s life. The former Tech Reserve officer Training Corps member went on to become an Army officer and served in Iraq.

After his deployment, Fitch developed post-traumatic stress disorder. That led to thoughts of suicide.

After seeking another option, he came upon the Active Heroes Charity, which works to prevent veteran suicide.

Despite being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2012, Fitch continued to fight for his fellow veterans, raising $300,000 for the charity last year.

The walk honors Fitch’s legacy, as well as raising money for the charity, said Sigma Phi Epsilon member Grant Beatus.

“The goal of these walks is to build relationships with veterans and help them know they’re not alone and speak to other people and build friendships in the community,” Beatus said.

The walk, six miles in previous years, was shortened to draw more community members, Beatus said. Sandbags will be on hand for anyone who wants to weigh their packs down. However, they’re not required, Beatus said.

“I don’t want at all to exclude anyone from this event,” he said. “That’s also why we reduced the mileage, so we can get more young kids and more elderly participants as well.”

Check-in for the walk begins at 11:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at noon, followed by the national anthem.

A cookout will follow the walk on the Walker Lawn.

Proceeds go towards projects such as a retreat for military families in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, intended to help give veterans an escape from society and reconnect with their family.

It also funds job fairs for veterans.

Another program is National Peer Mentors, in which people can take a $30 online course in which they’re instructed in recognizing the signs of depression and what to do when a person reveals suicidal thoughts.

“If there’s ever a veteran in your area who needs help, they can connect with the peer mentor from that region,” said Beatus, a mentor himself. “It’s just another way to build friendship and show veterans they’re not alone.”