LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Lufkin runners started their day with
their hands over their hearts remembering those who serve our country.
"We're helping them kind of get
back to a daily way of life," said Tara Watson Watkins, Director, Lufkin
CVB.
Saturday morning the Lufkin Convention
and Visitors Bureau hosted the first run for the vets to help local veterans
get back on their feet.
"I just think its so important to
be able to say thank you to the men and women that have fought for our daily
freedom this is a way that we can help," said Watkins.
Director Tara Watson Watkins says 25
percent of the proceeds will go to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113.
"The money will go to the
veterans that have come back home that are here locally and need monetary
support," said Watkins.
Army veteran Samuel Coleman spent eight years
in service and works closely with the VFW.
Coleman says times have changes since he was
in the army and returning soldiers need support now more than ever.
"Now they have a lot of problems
different from us, there was a difference in our training I can say," said
Coleman.
To contribute 100 runners participated
in a 10k, 5k or a one mile fun run.
Coleman says the steps runners take
today will improve future of veterans and their families.
"Its a good thing, its people
helping people and that's what we do," said Coleman.
"We wake up every day being able
to breathe and see our family and our friends because of the men and women who
give up their lives," said Watkins.
This is the first Veterans Day run for the
city, officials plan on continuing the tradition and expanding it for years to
come.
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