It’s never seemed more obvious that a whole lot of folks are in need of some good old-fashioned love and support. There are institutions, both governmental and not, that provide financial benefits, but I’m talking about the kind of place where you can actually go and belong. Some of these escapes take the form of a hidden gem of a brew pub while others are purpose-built to get folks back on their feet. A few days back, I was lucky enough to lean into both.

Mine and my wife’s latest date night found us leaving our sanctuary in Bellevue and driving out west to the Mahoney and SAC Museum exit off I-80 to the little village of Ashland. Just on the outskirts of town sits the Ashland Brewing Company, a one-year-old establishment that was clearly built to last. I couldn’t help but take in the professional-grade combination of robust building materials and spare-no-expense, stylish finishes. The large, open play yard and couple of pickleball courts are a topical and trendy touch.

The food was excellent. The bistro pub approach is far from unique nowadays, but I can tell you with much confidence that ABC is doing spicy chicken sandwiches and truffle fries with an expert execution that isn’t that easy to find elsewhere. Their signature pickleball appetizer – clearly paired with the private courts – was a unique blend of a hushpuppy-type shell filled with gooey cheese, bacon, and pickles. I haven’t had anything similar, and they were more than a themed afterthought. These were an honest-to-goodness signature dish, and they were executed really well. My one regret was not having tried one of their incredible looking burgers, but isn’t that just an excuse to go back? Because that’s exactly my plan.

The folks at ABC clearly set out to build what could be a go-to cornerstone for the immediate community and a cozy-yet-curated escape for the good citizens of the Omaha or Lincoln metros. And they have clearly succeeded. To have a place this new and clean feel like an old neighborhood staple you might find in Benson or Dundee is no small feat. The brewery was delightfully full of what I assume were locals and regulars, but what brought my wife and me all the way out here besides the promise of some good food? A friend of mine was helping promote and fundraise for an endearing non-profit that sounded too good to pass up.

As we approached Ashland Brewing Company, we received a warm greeting from a fella named Rob Hufford and his wonderful wife and baby girl. The Huffords were staffing the 50 Mile March tent, promoting their signature event and ultimate goals for a new kind of community.

The 50 Mile March is a fundraising event meant to draw attention and support for Veterans’ homelessness and mental health needs. The latest event will begin on Saturday, August 22nd at 10 am when a group of designated marchers, like Mr. Hufford, will leave the State Capitol in Lincoln and march through the day, night, and morning. Their emotional and inspirational conclusion will come 22 hours later when they arrive at the Landing at Werner Park in Papillion at approximately 8 am Sunday. That’s nearly 200 marchers taking over 120,000 steps! And you can join them! The Landing Celebration will feature entertainment, refreshments, food vendors, kids’ activities, and an unforgettable atmosphere as our community comes together to honor the grit, sacrifice, and determination of those marching in support of Veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges. They anticipate thousands of supporters lining the finish line, and you won’t want to miss this incredible display of patriotism, endurance, and hope. They’re encouraging attendees to arrive early so they don’t miss the arrival of the marchers and support caravan. When 50 Mile March started in 2020, they had just 6 marchers. And now, just  6 years later, they’re approaching 200. So use this opportunity to get involved in a strong and growing movement!

But what is the ultimate goal of this incredible operation, you ask? Well, one in four Veterans face a mental health issue, with one in ten struggling with multiple diagnoses (NIHM and NIH). Not only are 17 Veteran lives lost to suicide daily, but according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, Veteran suicides have increased by nearly 12% since 2020. And finally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows that, on average, 150 of Nebraska’s Veterans experience homelessness each year. So, what will 50 Mile March do to address these staggering statistics?

It’s called The Community of Hope. They’ve already acquired a farm-type property adjacent to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home just off 36th and Capehart in Bellevue. Once developed and fully realized, the campus will include 22 tiny homes to serve as transitional housing for Veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the community will feature group buildings, gardens, and more, with services offered to help the residents overcome challenges like addiction and gain valuable skills needed to get back on their feet.

My experience at the Ashland Brewing Company and what I learned from Rob with 50 Mile March highlighted an awesome and inspiring theme that makes Nebraska communities a thing to love and aspire to: Folks putting in hard work and taking concrete steps to make

our communities better for everyone. And don’t forget to meet Rob and friends Sunday morning, August 23rd at the Landing at Werner Park.

More information can be found at 50milemarch.org

Matt Hebert is an engineer and self-published author. His dopamine-fueled creative pursuits have spanned from chicken keeping, sand sculpture, acting, and public speaking, but writing is nearest and dearest to his heart. He lives in Bellevue with his wife and two daughters. You can find him on Instagram at @jerkofalltradeshebert or email him at matt.hebert.books@gmail.com

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.