In a Soldier’s Shoes Foundation was founded by Brien Conrad, Zack Weilnau, and Kayin
McDonald. Throughout their undergraduate years, college roommates Brien and Zack—along
with the rest of their chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity—were committed to giving back to our
country’s heroes who have given so much for each and every one of us. In 2014, Brien created the
chapter’s philanthropy event Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes, an annual ruck march to raise funds for
veterans that has been running for over a decade. Since then, it has become the premier event
for the chapter and has continued to grow through partnerships that provide high-quality,
tangible goods to those who need them most.

During their time on campus, the founders also noticed a larger issue within college
philanthropy: many students cared about causes in theory, but felt disconnected in practice. Too
often, philanthropy became something to check off a list rather than something that truly
mattered. In response, In a Soldier’s Shoes Foundation was built around a different approach—
one rooted in experience, discomfort, and human connection. By bringing veterans onto campus
and walking alongside them, and by putting students through physically and mentally
challenging events that mirror even a fraction of a service member’s experience, the Foundation
creates moments that demand presence, respect, and understanding. The goal is not just to raise
money, but to make service felt—to put students, quite literally, in a soldier’s shoes for a day and
give real meaning to Greek-life philanthropy.

From classmates, to roommates, to Founding Fathers of Kappa Sigma’s Theta-Nu Chapter at
Ashland University, to groomsmen, to lifelong friends, Brien and Zack have worked together for
years with a shared mindset of leaving things better than they found them. With major
contributions from co-founder Kayin McDonald and Scott Kingsbury, In a Soldier’s Shoes
Foundation has enlisted the support of alumni and undergraduates across generations to
strengthen Kappa Sigma’s commitment to purposeful philanthropic service. In forming the
Foundation, Brien, Zack, and Kayin set out to scale their chapter’s work and expand its impact
well beyond a single campus.

Veterans are more susceptible to homelessness and suicide than the average civilian. Socks are
the most requested item in homeless shelters, and something as simple as a reliable pair of shoes
can be the difference between moving forward or giving up. Donations received by In a Soldier’s
Shoes Foundation are used to provide quality footwear and essential items to homeless veterans,
at-risk veterans, and their families and to support Operation: Final Tour.

Brien’s selflessness, respect for veterans, and entrepreneurial drive are the foundation of this
organization’s existence and impact. We are excited to continue growing both In a Soldier’s
Shoes Foundation and the Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes event—strengthening campus philanthropy,
deepening student engagement, and expanding our support for our nation’s honored veterans.