With a nod to the valiant and the brave, San Antonio's own Operation Comfort is set to roll out the red, white, and blue carpet with its annual Salute to Service Members 5K. Civilians, veterans, and patriots alike are being rallied to show their support for the troops. On your mark for February 24, as reported by FOX San Antonio, this run-and-gun event isn't just about breaking a sweat – it's about banding together as a community in salute to those who donned the uniform for Uncle Sam.
Under the command of Cris Levack, who took the executive director chair just eight months ago, Operation Comfort has continued its two-decade mission to aid our wounded warriors. "The biggest thing that veterans go through in their transition is that for years they have been part of something, and if you do not have an organization or group to fall back on, you can get lost," Levack courageously told Community Impact. To avoid just that, Operation Comfort creates a haven where vets can bond and engage in activities tailored to those who've literally given a piece of themselves for the country.
The nonprofit's arsenal includes adaptive sports such as cycling – tricked out for amputees – aquatics, and even sled hockey for the ice aficionados. And it doesn't stop there; woodworking, yoga, and various weekly activities are on the docket, all aimed to boost veteran morale and rekindle the camaraderie of service. It’s a vital outreach that empowers those with disabilities to get active and assault the everyday physical and psychological challenges they face post-service.
The upcoming 5K is more than a trek across San Antonio; it's a lifeline for the nonprofit which, as Levack emphasizes, depends on such events and community support to keep afloat. Rally your neighbor, lace up those sneakers, and prepare to be charged only $45 per head – a little less if you're a minor, a first responder, or have worn the nation's uniform, according to FOX San Antonio. You’ve got until February 21 to register, so march on over and sign up, soldier.
For those who'd rather not sprint to show their support, Operation Comfort's frontlines are always looking for volunteers for their various programs. And if your contributions lean more to the material, get in touch at [email protected] or ring the battle station directly at 210-826-0500. Because when it comes down to it, whether you're toeing the starting line or signing a check, it’s all about ensuring that these real-life heroes know that when they hung up their boots, they didn't do it alone.
