As the son of a navy veteran, I have often been told the stories of sacrifices made by our servicemen and women over the generations. Like SUPERHEROES these people make a decision not for personal gain but for the greater good of the country. These men and women of valor have paid a major debt to allow us the liberties we often take for granted. 

As a child, my initial perception of veterans was that "They are perfect!". To me, a veteran was a well-dressed man who was athletic and act as a national volunteer for the United States.  This mental image of our servicemen came with prestige, honor, and a level of great respect from families and peers (even further confirming my SUPERHERO ideology). 

Though some of my immature perceptions/ stereotypes of servicemen still carry with me today, I now have an added respect for our veterans as I have got to know them as HUMANS, not SUPERHEROES. Since working at U.S. VETS, I have quickly been reminded that not all HEROES wear a cape. With consideration to some of our favorite comics, It would be easy to sign up for war if "You were made of steel" or "You could run as fast as a speeding bullet". But would you be as willing if someone told you: 

"You will lose your life"

"Your wife will leave you in 6 months" 

"You will not be present at your son's 3rd Birthday Party" 

This is the harsh reality some of our veterans have when they make their commitment to the service. With this, imagine the residual effects of returning from a war-ridden country to a home that has been moving on without you. Some of our veterans do a great job of re-acclimating back to the real world and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Others return to the unpleasant world they were running from when they enlisted. Unfortunately in both cases, our veterans fall on hard times and need assistance managing the stresses of life, finding a place to rest their head, and finding gainful employment so that they can put food on the table and clothes on their back. 

This is where U.S. VETS - Long Beach comes in! As a city that houses one of the largest veteran populations in the world, we also have a very large homeless veteran population. At the Cabrillo Villages, U.S. VETS supports over 800 servicemen and women as they work to get back on their feet. As I go on this journey of being a catalyst of change in a city I love so dear, I am asking for your assistance in helping me reach my fundraising goal of $1,000 in the Virtual 5k-10. 

To ensure the safety of the participants and the community, Storm the Beach will be a virtual event this year. Please show your support for local veterans by participating any way you choose. 

You can also start your own page! On June 13th you can run, jog, walk or roll on the road, on the trail, or on a treadmill. Funds raised from Storm the Beach 5K/10K help to provide housing, employment assistance, mental health services, and other crucial support to over 800 veterans and their families every day at U.S.VETS - Long Beach.

Looking forward to your support...