Local Weather Forecast
Today: Current:76	Thursday: 90/72	Friday: 94/75
Complete Forecast for  Jul 24 2008

By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

BULLARD — Coordinators of the “Run for a Veteran” 3K expect around 200 participants and hope for more to take part in the walk and run Saturday organized to benefit area veterans.

The event, sponsored by East Texas Medical Center, will begin in the Brookshire’s Grocery parking lot at 11 a.m. with a walk; the run begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends with a ceremony to observe Armed Forces Day.

Organizer John Alexander said the event began last year with a ceremony that included state dignitaries and veterans, and a fly-over by three veteran group planes. This year, the walk and run was added to raise money for the community and veteran group support, Alexander said. He said the walk, run and ceremony will give the community a good opportunity to get out, have some fun and donate to a good cause.

“The event is for honoring our active service men and women and the veterans as part of Armed Forces Day,” Alexander said. “The main thing is we want the veterans to know how much the Bullard community supports them.”

Alexander said money raised will benefit the city’s Chamber of Commerce and Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide motorcycle organization that takes part in funeral processions of veterans and welcome home ceremonies.

Volunteer Darline McKay said 182 participants have signed up and contributed the $50 sponsorship fee. She said she expects many more to sign up prior to the walk and run. Alexander said the 19 10-person teams have room for individuals, but added that all who want to participate are welcome. T-shirts will be given to team members as part of their sponsorship.

Prizes will be given out to the winners of the walk and first, second and third place prizes to winners of the run, Alexander said. He said prizes will also be given to the “most patriotically decorated house and business.” Alexander said he would like to see the entire community decorated in red, white and blue on Saturday in support of Armed Forces Day.

The designated route will begin at Brookshire’s on Highway 69 and follow Lynch Drive and take a right on N. Houston Street, then a left on Ralson Street, down Hickory Road, ending at Panther Stadium at Bullard Middle School.

Speakers will include former Texas Secretary of State Jack Rains, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, state Rep. Leo Berman and veterans. Danny Ray, a chamber of commerce member, took part in the inaugural event last year and said he hopes participation continues to grow. He expects a larger gathering this year, and said with good weather and outdoor activities giving families the opportunity to honor veterans, he expects it to continue to grow in the future.

“This year is to get (the 3K) kicked off,” he said. “Next year and beyond that, it could grow into a monster.”

Ray said that by supporting the event, the community will show its support for troops who have fought and those fighting today. He said instead of sitting at home watching the news and wishing the war would just go away, citizens can come out and take part in showing veterans what they mean to the community.

Alexander said he encourages everyone in the community to take part even if they don’t participate in the walk or run, and that the ceremony itself will be rewarding for attendees. McKay encouraged everyone to come out and walk or run or pass out water, visit with friends and neighbors and enjoy the ceremony.

“I still get chills when I think about last year’s ceremony,” she said. “Last year was great and if it’s a third better this year it will be awesome.”