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What Does It Mean to Be a Veteran?

What Does It Mean to Be a Veteran?

If you ask any current or former service member what it means to be a Veteran, chances are, you will get a myriad of answers. Each person who raised their right hand and signed the dotted line had a different reason to do so. 

One Soldier did it for valor, handed down each generation — an obligation of sorts — to carry on the family lineage of a promise made by his forefathers to defend and protect. For him, to be a Veteran means signing a blank check made out to the American people with his life as payment. Coming home means a lifetime of survivor’s guilt and silent victory that he will never speak of. 

The Marine to his left did it as an escape, from a childhood more brutal than any drill sergeant could deliver, and an escape from the inevitable small town addiction he is headed for. For him, being a Veteran means discovering a brotherhood of unwavering love and loyalty, a reason to be and give. He will find comfort in the selflessness of his brothers in arms and sleep soundly at night knowing he has found where he belongs.

The Airman to his right did it to become something better than anyone ever thought she could be. To give herself wholly to a cause she believes in while securing her own future. Soaring beyond her wildest dreams, being a Veteran means having doors opened she never knew existed. More than opportunity, she’s now seen the other side of the media and there’s no going back. 

And, the Sailor next to him did it for the “free college” education his recruiter swindled him with, only to quickly discover, there truly is no such thing as a free education. The skills and experiences he will gain on his journey to that free education are more than any text book or professor will ever offer. To him, being a Veteran means learning valuable life lessons from the broadside of a fire hose to wake up the following morning and ask for more. 

Regardless of why you joined and how long you stayed, being a U.S. military Veteran means you were willing to fight and die in service to this country for the people who call it home. It means being separated from friends, family, and loved ones, missing special occasions and sacrificing your own youth. It means giving up control of your life with blind trust that your well-being will be cared for. It means risking life and limb to complete the mission or just doing what you were supposed to do. 

Being a Veteran means you swore an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies,” and you held up your end. And, because there is no draft, you did all this willingly. 

It takes grit, determination, stamina, and a heart the size of a lion. And, even when you’ve hung up your cover, a Veteran always knows:

  • Motrin is the drug of choice for a headache, broken heart, and everything in between. 
  • “Military-grade” is something civilian marketers use to lure non-servicemembers.
  • Fireworks sound an awful lot like mortar attacks.
  • The term “hero” is used far too liberally.
  • No event is too unimportant not to arrive early.
  • You have always eaten worse and slept somewhere less desirable.
  • It could just be that you forgot, but it could also be the delayed symptom of a TBI they warned you about. 
  • The surge of pride each time the flag is raised.
  • The guilt of waking up searching for your rifle, only to realize you are home safe. 

To all of those Veterans out there who know what it means, thank you. For your sacrifice, your commitment, your bravery, and your loyalty, from your brothers and sisters at RuckPack, we thank you. 

Nootropics 101

Nootropics 101

At RuckPack, we talk a lot about Nootropics and how we use them in our energy blends to offer focus, clarity, and energy, all with a steady hand and laser-sharp thinking. Because let’s be honest, the people RuckPack was made for don’t just need to stay awake, they need to stay alert to stay alive. Nootropics offer better memory, longer attention span, clearer thinking, increased motivation, and sharpened focus. Today, we take a deeper look at what Nootropics are and why we are so passionate about them.

 

What are Nootropics?

We’ve all heard about supplements that can make us bigger, faster, and/or stronger, but, what about ones that make you smarter and sharper? Nootropics are the answer. Nootropics are a grouping of nutraceuticals that include vitamins, herbs, food, and prescription pills that enhance brain function. Some of these nutraceuticals include cordyceps, acetyl-L carnitine, and BCAAs, to name a few. By fueling brain cells and enhancing cell communication, Nootropics help with information processing, memory recall, and increased learning retention.

How do Nootropics work?

The science behind Nootropics varies based on the blend being discussed. Nootropics of different types mean a variety of cellular mechanisms at play. Nootropics are a combination of various nutraceuticals that work together to promote brain support and optimize brain function. A few ways Nootropics help include: Modulating neurotransmitter levels — increased dopamine and serotonin. Increased oxygen supply to the brain. Improves neuroplasticity. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free-radicals. Use them for pure energy, as a pre-workout, or as a daily brain booster to promote clarity and focus when you need it most.

What are the benefits of Nootropics?

Nootropics can help those with cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and short-term memory issues to help promote wakefulness and enhance focus. If those with cognitive deficits can benefit from Nootropics, it stands to reason that the average healthy person can experience heightened focus, memory, and attention span. One of the major advantages of Nootropics over synthetic energy stimulants is mood enhancement and no crash later. Short-term use of Nootropics helps you be more alert and aware, but long-term use can help reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Some people also state that they experience improved wellbeing, decreased anxiety, increased confidence, and improved exercise performance.

 

Nootropics Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are nootropics legit?
A: Yes, when nootropic formulas combine the right ingredients in the right dosages, numerous studies confirm that there are positive short-term and long-term effects on brain function and physical performance. Ensure you invest in nootropic blends with transparent ingredient labels.

Q: Are nootropics natural?
A: Nootropics can come from natural sources or be synthetically made. The quality of ingredients determines how close to natural your blend is. Choose a nootropic that offers standardized dosages of legitimate ingredients.

Q: Are nootropics real or just placebos?
A: Nootropics are proven to have a biological effect at the cellular level. Nootropics may not affect every person the same way, but when you invest in a nootropic blend that includes quality ingredients, you’ll notice enhanced memory, focus, and limited fatigue.

Q: What are nootropics used for?
A: Nootropics are used to optimize brain function and reduce physical fatigue. They can help improve productivity, creativity, sleep, focus, clarity, memory and motivation.

Q: Are nootropics safe.
A: Yes, as long as the ingredients are safe. Most nootropics are naturally occurring and when taken as part of a supplement, boost levels to promote brain enhancement. Unlike addictive substances, nootropics do not contain addictive substances. Make sure you get your nootropics from a legitimate source to reduce additional chemicals or cheap synthetic ingredients.

At RuckPack LLC, we use SmartMuscle Nootropic blends in our energy shots to provide you with a solid dose of brain-boosting energy that won’t give you the jitters. For a steady trigger finger and the ability to focus, let RuckPack energy shots be the force behind your fight. Toss our shots in your bag and take them when you need them. Because they aren’t dependent on harmful stimulants, there’s no crash later, you can sleep when you need to, and you don’t have to worry about the side effects like you do with other energy supplements. Visit us online to learn more and browse our entire line of brain-optimizing products.

Memorial Day Thoughts From Rob

Memorial Day Thoughts From Rob
Do me a solid and spend some time this Memorial Day thinking about those that didn’t make it home. Then, remember that whatever you’re going through, you’re still alive (and, don’t forget that that’s a good thing).

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Welcome to RuckPack Combat Nutrition

Welcome to RuckPack Combat Nutrition

Welcome to the blog of RuckPack Combat Nutrition, your online resource for healthy energy shots that actually work! RuckPack isn’t just another energy drink company offering bottled caffeine. We are real people here to help others with the same troubles we used to have — trouble focusing and concentrating with little to no sleep. Let’s be honest, most of us have jobs, hobbies, and families that make it difficult to get the rest we deserve, and yet, these same obligations require mental clarity, attention to detail, and drive. None of which is possible when your brain is clouded by exhaustion. 


There are so many energy supplements on the market created to amp you up to make it through the afternoon at work or another workout, but what about life? Most of us aren’t simply trying to survive to the next activity, but attempting to live our lives. In the line of fire, you cannot simply be amped up for a little bit and expect to make it out on the other end alive. That’s where RuckPack got its start. We knew we needed real solutions for the fog of exhaustion. A solution that would offer the clarity and mental focus that a consistent full night’s rest would, for those that that’s an impossibility. 


Born on the battlefields, RuckPack offers real energy and focus, nourishing your body and mind with essential vitamins and nutrients. The best part is, RuckPack won’t interfere when you do get the opportunity to sleep. There’s no high to come down from or jittering hands that will keep you awake (or cause you to miss your shot). 


Beyond energy shots, at RuckPack, we have also developed a line of supplements for athletes that support muscle growth and overall wellness. Our all-natural formulas won’t cause jitters, shakes, or post-workout crash. And, what’s more, our products are perfectly safe and “legal” for all athletes — no banned substances or ingredients in our products! Protect your brain and your health when you choose RuckPack Combat Nutrition for your workout partner. 


Because we know you are busy chasing your dreams and managing our day-to-day life, we make things simple. Our subscription services take one more thing off your to-do list. You’ll always be fully stocked when you subscribe and save. 


Our goal is to have our blog serve as your online resource for everything energy-related. We will share tips and tricks for maintaining your mental clarity and how to read product labels for safety. We will share tricks of the trade and stories of how we went from boot camp to industry leaders. Our hope is we can help arm you with the knowledge and confidence to fuel your mind and body with quality products that will not only keep you in the fight, but help win it. 


Tune in to our blog and connect with us online to learn more and discover your new favorite energy shot. Made by Veterans for those in the fight, but tough enough to help you manage everyday life. Browse our entire collection online today.