Molding a Family Tradition: Carry Forward 5K Mixes Fun, Fitness, and Veteran Support
Scour the internet. Read your local newspaper. Travel the country.
You probably won’t find anything like a Carry Forward 5K®, one of the most unique events in nonprofit fundraising coordinated by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).
That’s according to Angela Hemmen, fundraising events director (Peer-to-Peer) at WWP™.
Carry Forward is a powerful, one-of-a-kind experience that puts the WWP mission into motion and allows Americans to take meaningful action for wounded veterans. It’s a 5K, yes, but more importantly, it funds vital programs and services for veterans and creates an unforgettable day of community bonding and patriotic spirit.
No matter how or where you participate, Carry Forward provides an opportunity for a day of family-friendly fun. The starting line is usually a blend of ages, athletic abilities, and cultures – united by a desire to serve a greater cause.
"What makes Carry Forward truly special is the way it brings people together. It's not just another 5K – it's an event where families, friends, and strangers come together to support our warriors in a tangible way,” Angela said. “The energy at the starting line is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
The Carry Forward 5K city series kicks off Aug. 17 in San Diego, followed by Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 7, San Antonio on Oct. 5, and Jacksonville, Florida – WWP’s homebase – on Nov. 16. These are the largest Carry Forward events in the U.S. and often draw thousands of participants annually.
For those unable to attend one of the four city events, Virtual Carry Forward 5Ks are available, giving you the option to participate on your own or with your community anywhere, anytime.
Participants in both types make a real difference in the lives of veterans. In 2023, Carry Forward raised almost $1.4 million to support free programs and services for post-9/11 warriors and their families.
What sets Carry Forward apart is its inclusive nature and the variety of ways participants can creatively show their support. While some choose to walk or jog the course, others embrace one of three symbolic “carry” options:
- Flag: Participants carry a flag to show support and patriotism.
- Fitness: Participants carry a weight to represent the burdens veterans bear during service.
- Fierce: Participants carry another person to symbolize one warrior supporting another in times of need.
The spirit of Carry Forward is in the passion of its participants. Look no further than in North Carolina, where a virtual fundraiser became a community-wide affair, spearheaded by two passionate supporters who saw Carry Forward as a duty.
Packed goodie bags meant to show appreciation to local veterans sit on a table at a Carry Forward 5K in Huntersville, North Carolina.
“It hit home for me personally because I’m a mental health counselor, my husband is a vet, and my oldest son is at West Point,” said organizer Tori Torres about her motivation to support WWP through Carry Forward.
Adds her co-organizer, Erika Gandee: “From a very young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of the freedoms we are given and the cost that is paid by our soldiers and their families."
Tori and Erika, backed by the fervor of local high school students and community organizations, held their first Carry Forward in November 2023 and raised $14,000 for WWP. It was a meaningful showcase of the power of grassroots efforts in supporting a worthwhile cause.
“The beauty of Carry Forward is that it can be as big or as intimate as you want it to be,” Angela said. “Whether it's a large city event or a grassroots effort like Tori’s and Erika's, every participant is making a real difference in the lives of wounded warriors. It's inspiring to see communities across the country rally around this cause in their own unique ways."
Carry Forward is meant for families with children of all ages, fostering a sense of patriotism and service in the next generation. For many families, it’s become a cherished tradition – an annual occasion to have fun while also teaching children the importance of supporting our nation’s veterans long after their service has ended.
The impact of Carry Forward extends far beyond the day of the event. Many participants report feeling a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their community. For some, it sparks a long-term commitment to backing veterans’ causes.
If you’re considering organizing your own Carry Forward event, WWP offers support and resources. As Tori says, “I would say, ‘go for it.’ It starts with a little idea and it just keeps rolling. As you get other people involved, the ideas just start flowing, and people offer more and more.”
See how you can support wounded veterans by hosting or participating in a Carry Forward 5K.
Contact: Julian Routh, Public Relations, jrouth@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.544.0195
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.