Supporting Veterans Anytime, Anywhere: Young Leaders Shine in Virtual Carry Forward 5K

A broken femur wasn’t going to stop 15-year-old Carson Campos from doing his part to support our nation’s wounded veterans.

Carson Campos pushes himself forward in a wheelchair along an outdoor trail, with a Carry Forward 5K bib attached to the back. — Carson Campos pushes himself to the finish line on Huckleberry Trail in Montgomery County, Virginia.

Just weeks after breaking his leg in three places during a football scrimmage, Carson crossed the finish line. He completed a Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Virtual Carry Forward® 5K in his Virginia hometown, raising money to help wounded warriors, their families, and caregivers thrive after transitioning back to civilian life.

Carson’s mom, Billie Jean, had encouraged him to stay active after his injury. She suggested they ride along Huckleberry Trail to help him regain strength, and it was during these outings that the idea of participating in a 5K surfaced.

That's when he discovered Carry Forward, WWP’s signature 5K that empowers supporters to walk, jog, or run while raising funds for injured veterans. The virtual option allows participants like Carson to complete the 5K anywhere, anytime, making it easy to get involved and make a difference.

For Carson, the race was a way to quell the emotional pain of his injury, which cut his football season short. He set a goal to raise at least $750 for WWP, honoring his strong family history of military service. His grandfather and aunt both served in the Marines, and Carson wanted to find a way to pay it forward.

Training for the 5K became a daily ritual, and Carson’s perseverance paid off on race day when he tackled the 3.5-mile stretch with his friend, Layton. He had to rely solely on his upper body strength.

“It was pretty hard, but it was fun,” Carson said. “God really helped me push through it.”

Word of Carson’s race spread quickly through his community, and his neighbors, friends, and family rallied behind him. By the time he crossed the finish line, they had contributed $4,000 to his fundraiser.

“It feels amazing,” Carson said a few days after finishing the 5K and reflecting on the support. “It's great to know that I get to help all these people through all these hard times they’re going through.”

A Tradition of Service: Kaylee Kendle’s Story

Carson isn’t alone in his effort to support veterans. When 13-year-old Kaylee laces up her sneakers for her annual Virtual Carry Forward 5K in Maryland, she carries a sandbag to represent the responsibilities veterans bore while serving. Deeper still, she carries the pride and resilience of her Marine father Byron, a wounded warrior. Kaylee has seen firsthand the strength and perseverance it takes to overcome challenges, and now she's taking action to show her support.

Byron and Kaylee stand outside, side by side, wearing matching Carry Forward 5K medals. — Kaylee (right) smiles beside her dad, Byron, with matching Carry Forward medals.

Kaylee has participated in Carry Forward nearly every year since the event's founding in 2018. She raised over $1,000 in 2024 alone.

“For Kaylee, it started as a way to connect with me through physical activity,” Byron said. “But it’s grown into something more — an opportunity to learn about sacrifice, patriotism, and giving back.”

Byron shared that participating in the Carry Forward 5K has become a family tradition. “She’s proud to help other veterans and finds joy in setting goals and reaching them, whether it's through running or fundraising.”

Kaylee felt like hosting her own virtual 5K was a simple yet powerful way to participate from anywhere. Bryon added that committing to Carry Forward teaches her important life skills including organization, creativity, dedication, and collaboration while supporting a meaningful cause.

Contribute to Kaylee’s 2025 Carry Forward goal

How To Start Your Own Virtual Carry Forward 5K

Carson and Kaylee are among the over 5,000 Americans who made a difference in 2024 by participating in a virtual Carry Forward. The virtual option allows you to walk, jog, or run the 5K on your own or with your community anywhere, any day. All money raised support the great and growing needs of post-9/11 warriors, their families, and caregivers.

Two participants pose together at a Carry Forward event, smiling and playfully biting their medals. — Carry Forward participants playfully show off their medals after completing Carry Forward 5K.

Carson and Kaylee’s stories prove that you’re never too young to make an impact. Here are some ways young people and adults alike can make Carry Forward their own and, in return, make a difference for our nation’s veterans.

Start a fundraising page: Create a personal fundraising page for the Virtual Carry Forward 5K and share it with friends, family, and on social media to raise support for wounded veterans.
Form a team: Gather classmates, sports teams, youth groups, neighbors, or friends to participate together — whether walking or running. Make it a fun group activity with a shared goal!
Use social media: Document your journey. Share training updates, stories of why you support veterans, and celebrate your fundraising milestones to inspire others to give.
Challenge friends: Set a challenge, like matching donations or competing to see who can raise the most, adding a fun, competitive edge to fundraising.
Make It educational: Incorporate learning by inviting a veteran to speak to your team or share stories of service before or after the 5K event.

Register today for a virtual Carry Forward.

Every step moves the mission forward and helps WWP keep its promise to always be there for those who served.

Contact: Gracie Scribner, Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295

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.

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