On March 20th, 2023 Deputy Mike Milmerstadt was training at a gym and suffered a bad headache, later diagnosed as a serious brain injury. Three days later, on March 23rd, Mike's family said goodbye to him. Mike was an amazing, father, husband, son, friend and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife Melanie and their boys. He was also a member of Orange County Sherrif's Office SWAT team.
Join us March 7th, 2026 as we pay tribute in our 4th annual “Ruck for Mike” rucking event.
Officer José Arnaldo Rodriguez-Schmidt
March 5, 1967 – June 14, 2025
This year, Ruck for Mike proudly rucks in honor of Officer José Arnaldo Rodriguez-Schmidt
and in support of his family. José was a devoted husband, father, and servant to this country.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he lived a life defined by service — serving in the National Guard,
the United States Navy, and later as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.
Those who knew José remember him as hardworking, kind, and deeply committed to his family.
He believed in unity, showed up for the people he loved, and took great pride in protecting others.
His dedication was quiet, steady, and unwavering.
José was also a huge supporter of the Ruck for Mike
from the very beginning. He didn’t just attend — he showed up fully. He believed in what the event
stood for, in honoring fallen brothers, and in bringing people together through shared hardship and purpose. During past events, José would even take the stage and play live music with a close friend,
using his love for guitar and music to lift the community and remind everyone why they were there.
Beyond the uniform, José was a free soul. Music was part of who he was,
a way he connected, served, and gave back.
José is survived by his wife Carolina Suarez, his children Sebastian Rodriguez-Borysek,
Julian Rodriguez-Suarez, and Valerie Rodriguez-Suarez, along with a large extended
family, friends, and brothers and sisters in uniform who will continue to carry his legacy forward.
This year, the funds raised through Ruck for Mike will directly support the
Rodriguez-Schmidt family.
Every mile rucked is a symbol of remembrance. Every pound carried is a sign of respect.
And every step forward is a promise that his family is not alone.
José didn’t just support this event —
he helped give it a soul.
Now, we ruck in his honor.
EARN THE DAY
Mike believed in living a fulfilled life and pushing past his limits every day. One of his passions was working/CrossFit, and he would push himself to the max to complete the most challenging workouts. He lived by the motto "Earn the Day," which meant that he never took a day for granted and always made the most of every opportunity. Mike was an inspiration to those around him, always encouraging others to push themselves and reach their full potential.
March 1st 2025
11am Checkin
12pm Ruck
CrossFit Lions Den
Orlando, Florida
View Location
