Heartland 4 Heroes Kansas City 5K

GallantFew’s Heartland 4 Heroes community action group hosted a Run Ranger Run Kansas City 5K at the Nascar Kansas Speedway.  The intent was to raise funds and awareness for the mission of GallantFew and the effort to unite the veteran subculture and continue to support our military personnel transitioning back into civilian life. GallantFew executive director, Karl Monger, was in attendance to address all registrants, volunteers and attendees.

A one mile flag walk was also took place to honor the American Gold Star families.

Katie Smith, community volunteer and Heartland 4 Heroes organizer,  brought together several organizations for the event.  The Veterans Community Project participated with their tiny homes,  Wreaths Across America, North East Kansas Chapter of AGSM and custom trucks were on hand from KC trucks.

 

      

Run Ranger Run

Run Ranger Run is a month-long challenge where teams across the world form together to run and raise awareness for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Teams made up of one to ten people are created across the world with the goal of running (but can also swim, bike, walk, or kayak) a total of 565 miles during the month of February.

Run Ranger Run is designed to raise awareness and funds while bridging the military and civilian communities. The challenge was inspired by veteran Cory Smith who was the first to complete the 565 miles. Funds go directly toward GallantFew, Inc and their mission to help every veteran achieve a peaceful, smooth transition from military service to a life filled with hope and purpose.

Registration is open.  Form a team for your community!

Heartland 4 Heroes

Heartland 4 Heroes is a GallantFew small community-based steering program specifically made to bring the heartland community together through physical endurance events and provide a social network for returning military personnel transitioning back into civilian life. Their desire is to make sure veterans have a community that takes responsibility for welcoming them back and makes a point to include them. They believe by growing this network and establishing GallantFew’s mentorship program locally,  will decrease veteran isolation, unemployment, and suicide.

Growing a Network

Every community has unique features and circumstances.  To  assist veterans transitioning back into specific communities it takes a vast network of dedicated community members to be ready.  Often times it does not take grand gestures to be ready, just action.  If you are a veteran, register into the GallantFew revolutionary network.  While you are waiting for a peer match, start cultivating your community.  Let people know where to find you.  Facilitate gatherings where other veterans are able to come together.  Before you know it, you will have a group that regularly comes together, helps each other and inspires. Interested in starting a small community-based program like Heartland 4 Heroes?  Send us a note to cbryant@gallantfew.org.

Want to find other ways to take action?  The GallantFew Community Action page has several examples of how others are finding their way to support GallantFew and the veterans we serve.