If you are looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate a military veteran in your life, then look no further. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people are expected to participate in the fifth annual Honor Walk and 5K Fun Run this Sunday, Nov. 8, starting at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. This is in celebration of Veteran’s Day, according to the director of the walk, Rick Young.
When asked what makes the Honor Walk so unique, Young said:
“Other organizations are out there to honor particular famous veterans. What we try to do is keep the names and the people involved in the public eye as much as possible. Honor Walk honors all vets.”
Young went on to describe how when people first arrive at the walk, they will receive a bib on which they can write the name of the person they are walking in honor of. In addition to the bib, those interested can also upload a picture and a profile of the veteran in their life to be displayed year-round on the Honor Walk website. When it comes time for the race, these pictures will be displayed on the jumbotron.
Each year Honor Walk also donates a portion of its proceeds to two nonprofit organizations that serve our vets. While Young didn’t say what those organizations would be this year, he did say that in a previous year they have donated to Bootstrap USA, which provides “yoga-based stress management to troops and veterans.”
Honor Walk also has a mentorship program called “Green to Blue,” where the goal is to match up mentors with veterans who are just about to graduate college. Young said one goal is to try to match veterans with mentors who are also veterans. “Green to Blue” has monthly events that aim to help veterans deal with stress in the work place.
Interested volunteers can either email info@honorwalk.com or go to the booth that will be set up at Sunday’s walk.
“They can sign up as a mentor or a mentee,” Young said.
Young said “Green to Blue” is also working with Maricopa Community Colleges District Veteran Services Coordinator Andrea Banks. They are working together to recruit veterans in community colleges.
Young said it is hard to find veterans because it is often something that is kept private.
Sponsors also play a big part in the walk.
“Our most important sponsor, and this is the most important thing I can say, is Circle K. The volunteers man tables, run registration, walk the route afterwards and clean up and provide coffee and donuts,” Young said.
Sunday’s walk will feature live entertainment and several special guests. According to Young, some guests worth noting are the Phoenix vice mayor, the Phoenix Fire Honor Guard, and the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders.
Young said that having the Patriot Guard this year and having more general exposure are two things that set this year’s walk apart from years past.
“All of these people from all over the community support that veteran in their life,” Young said. “It keeps the spirit of service alive.”
Those interested in walking can register at honorwalk.com and click on the registration link. Adults pay $25, and children under 12 and veterans can walk for free.
Contact the columnist at Holly.Bernstein@asu.edu.
