Q&A with Ranger Kielak, Loyalton FFA Alumni
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your experience with FFA?
I am an alumnus of Loyalton FFA, where I served as Secretary, President, as well as various other leadership roles. I also started the Veterinary Science Career Development Event (CDE) team for my chapter. My involvement continued into college, where, as a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity, I helped organize scholarships for the California State FFA Leadership Conference.
What inspired you to undertake this incredible journey of walking across the U.S.?
My inspiration came from singer Mike Posner, who walked across the country in 2018. Initially, I had numerous excuses for why I couldn’t do it: “I’m not rich!” “I don’t have time!” “That’s not for regular people like me.” However, when I saw that Mark Dudek and Andrew Kivett had completed their own walks across America around 2022, I realized that anyone could undertake such a journey if they set their mind to it.
What cause are you raising awareness for, and why is it important to you?
I am raising money for the National FFA Organization, Bigger than the Trail, and the Hospice Promise Foundation. For FFA, the funds will support National FFA’s SAE Grant Program, empowering more students to start projects that hone entrepreneurship skills and benefit their communities. I support Bigger than the Trail because they provide free therapy and mental health services, which is something I have found crucial for my own well-being through running and focusing on physical health. The Hospice Promise Foundation is significant to me because they offer non-medical hospice-related expense relief, and they support Grace Hospice in Tulsa, OK, which helped my Papa Larry during his last years with Alzheimer’s.
What has been the most memorable moment or encounter so far on your journey?
The most memorable moments have been the daily acts of kindness I’ve experienced. People have welcomed me into their homes, supported me financially, and provided essential supplies. One particularly touching encounter happened in South Carolina. A first responder, who had seen me on the news, stopped to give me two wristbands—one reading “Never Quit” and the other “Still Breathing, Still Fighting.” He had been disfigured in an accident and pulled the wristbands off his own wrists to give to me. This gesture, given so early in the morning, remains one of the most impactful moments of my journey.
What advice would you give to current FFA members and alumni who want to make a difference in their communities or beyond?
My advice to current FFA members is to take the leap. Engage within your community, identify problems, and work towards solutions. Don’t be afraid to try, fail, learn, and try again. Making a difference starts with improving ourselves and those around us.
Learn more about Ranger's journey: withinrangecoaching.com/walk-across-america/
