Operation THEO: Tacoma’s 2nd Annual, Honoring a Boy Who Inspired a Nationwide Mission

Date: October 18, 2025, 9:00 AM
Location: Dickman Mill Park, Tacoma, WA
Distance: 5 miles round-trip

On October 18, 2025, Tacoma will host its 2nd annual Operation THEO at Dickman Mill Park. Created by Green Beret Fitness, Operation THEO has grown into a nationwide toy rucking tradition that unites communities coast to coast. Tacoma is proud to carry the mission forward.

The Boy Who Inspired Operation THEO

The event is named in memory of Theo, a young boy whose courage continues to inspire. Born on March 22, 2015, Theo brought joy to everyone he met. At five months old, he was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, after an emergency MRI at All Children’s Hospital.

Despite enduring countless rounds of chemotherapy, Theo remained a bright light — learning to walk in the hospital halls and forming bonds with patients, parents, and staff alike. His smile and spirit touched countless lives.

After fourteen months of treatment, Theo passed away at just 19 months old, surrounded by family and love. His short life left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Operation THEO carries his name, his light, and his legacy forward.

Tacoma’s Growing Tradition

Last year, Tacoma joined the Operation THEO family for the first time. Together, we rucked five miles — 2.5 miles to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital carrying toys, and 2.5 miles back. It wasn’t about distance or pace. It was about showing up for the kids.

On October 18, we’ll do it again. Side by side, toys in our rucks, walking with a purpose bigger than ourselves. Tacoma may be in its second year, but already the tradition feels like home.

GBF Events Nationwide

Green Beret Fitness (GBF) puts on some of the most unique endurance events in the world. Each has its own style and challenge:

Mountain Challenges like Operation YOSEMITE test athletes against alpine elevation, rugged terrain, and time.
Endurance Grinds like Operation OCALA push participants through the swamps and forests of Florida, where distance, navigation, and grit decide who finishes.
Military-Inspired Events draw from Special Forces traditions, incorporating discipline, resilience, and structure — but always as solo missions, where each athlete faces the test alone.

Every GBF event is different, but the DNA is the same: grit, service, and connection.

How Tacoma’s Operation THEO Works

Meet at Dickman Mill Park in Tacoma
Bring toys — as many as will fit in your ruck
Walk 2.5 miles together to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
Drop off what we carry, then walk 2.5 miles back
Any toys that don’t fit in rucks will be delivered to the hospital after the event
Total distance: 5 miles

Join Us in Tacoma

On October 18, 2025, Tacoma will ruck again for its second year. We’ll gather at Dickman Mill Park, shoulder our rucks, and walk five miles together. We’ll carry toys, but more than that, we’ll carry hope — and a legacy.

📍 Dickman Hill Park, Tacoma, WA
📅 October 18, 2025, 9:00 AM
📏 5 miles total
🎁 Bring as many toys as you can — in your ruck or for delivery after the event

👉 Register for Tacoma’s Operation THEO here

Bring Operation THEO to Your City

Operation THEO doesn’t just belong to Tacoma, Florida, or Virginia Beach — it belongs to all of us. If you feel called to bring this mission to your own community, you can.

Green Beret Fitness or myself would be happy to help you organize an Operation THEO in your area. All it takes is a ruck, some toys, and a willingness to show up for the kids.

From coast to coast, we can carry more than weight — we can carry hope.

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FORGED IN FAILURE. FUELED BY GRIT.