JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Wounded Warrior Project helps thousands of veterans in their return home from service.
On Saturday morning, over 2,000 members, volunteers and community members were welcomed with a “Good morning” which echoed across the speakers.
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As the sun came up on the cool November morning, that greeting marked the start of the “Carry Forward 5K.”
“How do you not cry?” Rebecca Benton asked. “It’s just amazing.”
Runners and walkers stepped up to the starting line with flags over their shoulders and weighted vests around their chests.
The run was started with a loud “carry forward.”
A phrase meant to honor those who served and their efforts to transition back to civilian life.
“They have saved my life,” Benton said. “My family‘s life, connection. I mean look at this place. Look at this camaraderie. I can move. Just being engaged with injuries. You would never know what I come to the table for, and I can do things because of them.”
This year’s run raised over $250,000.
That money will go to programs with Wounded Warrior to help with job placement, medical treatment and basic life skills for veterans.
For many, the run is a reminder that they are not alone.
“We also made a promise that we would be there no matter what,” Lt. Gen. (ret) Walt Piatt, who is the CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project said, “So this [event] is what keeping the promise looks like.”
For more on the resources available at WWP Jacksonville visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.