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 to make our country great. In 2014, Brien created the chapter’s philanthropy event Mile in a Soldier’s Shoes, an annual ruck march to raise funds to give back to our honored veterans that has been running for over a decade. Since then, it has become the premier event for his chapter and has grown with its partnership with Pride Slides to provide quality tangible goods to those who need them most.

From classmates, to roommates, to Founding Fathers of Kappa Sigma's Theta Nu Chapter at Ashland University, to groomsmen, to beer pong partners (at charity events), Brien and Zack have worked together for a long time, always striving to make things better than how they found it. By collaborating with their fraternity with major contributions from co-founder Kayin McDonald and Scott Kingsbury, In a Soldier's Shoes Foundation has enlisted the support of alumni and undergrads through the generations to strengthen Kappa Sigma's commitment to philanthropic service. In forming In a Soldier’s Shoes Foundation, Brien, Zack, and Kayin teamed up to continue their chapter's work and grow their impact in giving back to our military heroes. 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 comfortable pair of shoes can keep them going one step at a time until they are back on their feet. Donations received are used to provide quality footwear and essentials to homeless vets, at risk vets, and their families.

Brien's selflessness and respect for our veterans is truly inspirational and his entrepreneurial spirit is responsible for the existence and impact of In a Soldier's Shoes Foundation. We are excited to continue the growth of the Foundation and the Mile in a Soldier's Shoes event to keep expanding our impact for our country's honored veterans.