LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – The first annual Strong Shall Stand 5K and Ruck Run took place Saturday morning in downtown Longview, bringing out more than 100 participants to support local veterans and first responders.
The event raises money for Operation True North, a local nonprofit that provides counseling and peer support for veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders.
“We can play a small part in making an impact to our veterans while we help our neighbor,” 5k Ruck Runner Aaron Dunn said.
Operation True North co-founder Grace Henderson said the organization is grateful for the community’s support.
“We’re just so thankful for the opportunity to serve those that have served our country and our community so well” Henderson said. “We really just want to step up and show up for them.”
Henderson added that her message to any veteran or first responder seeking help is to take the first step.
“Practice that self-care. Whether that’s physical exercise or coming and talking whenever they need to. We appreciate their hard work and the effort they put in,” Henderson said.
Army veteran Miguel Fabbiani said events like this help veterans feel welcomed and understood by the community.
“It’s a good time. Especially when you have your old friends you’ve known for most of your life, but then there’s the veteran community,” Fabbiani said. “We always joke around and say no one knows veterans like veterans. So it’s kinda nice to get together and gather and do things together.”
Fabbiani’s close friend and event sponsor Jake Pool encouraged others to take time to understand veterans’ experiences.
“People that aren’t veterans don’t really know what these guys go through and what they’ve done for us,” Pool said. “So I encourage everyone to go reach out and you’ll learn a lot about these veterans.”
A total of 107 runners took off on the three-mile route, which passed through the Veterans Memorial in Teague Park.
Dunn said seeing the impact firsthand makes the effort worthwhile.
“It’s great that we can know exactly where our dollars are being put,” Dunn said. “You know, when we’re supporting an organization like True North, they’re actively helping the people we see every day,” he said.
For every runner who crossed the finish line, Dunn said the message to veterans remains the same:
“You’re there for us. So we thank you, we honor you and we appreciate your sacrifices and your service,” Dunn said.
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