In an early morning gathering that was more about solidarity than sleeping in, the St. Anthony Catholic High School's cross-country team stepped out in support of veterans at the Wounded Warrior Project's Carry Forward 5K race. Despite the usual demands of meet days, the young athletes chose to stand side by side with their coach, Valerie Moreno, and her husband, both of whom share a personal connection to the cause. "I know our veterans have experienced some of the toughest things in life, and it's important for them to see that people are still supporting them," Coach Moreno told KSAT.
The event saw over 2,000 people turn out to demonstrate their gratitude and raise awareness for the trials veterans endure. Participants in the Carry Forward 5K were encouraged to embody the weight of service by carrying objects such as weights or even fellow participants on their backs — symbolizing the enduring and often unseen burdens that rest upon the shoulders of veterans. Earl Fonteno of the Wounded Warrior Project expressed appreciation for the massive community support, noting, "Military City USA always shows up for this event, but it’s a great reminder of how much the community means to our organization and how they enable us to continue to serve the warriors," in a statement obtained by Headtopics.
Proceeds from the race are critical, funneling directly into 14 different programs across the country tailored to assist the approximately 250,000 registered warriors and their families. The sight of the students offering their support was not only a display of intergenerational respect but also a promising glimpse into a future where the next generation continues to value and uphold the legacies of those who served.
Veteran Jose Moreno, experiencing his third year at the race, shared the sentiments of many present. The event evoked precious memories of camaraderie reminiscent of his time in the Army. "It's like seeing other veterans helping each other," he said, "You can see them while you're running. They were encouraging each other, and it's just the same camaraderie you would see in the military." These words, capturing the spirit of the gathering, were shared by Moreno in an interview with KSAT.