Fort Bliss Holds Wounded Warrior Walk
This weekend, hundreds laced up their running shoes and headed to Fort Bliss – all to support wounded soldiers.
For some, the Saturday morning run at Fort Bliss was a tribute to comrades they’ve never met. For others, this day was more personal.
Antonio James’ brother, Frank, was hurt 10 years ago while serving in the military. “I’m here for my brother,” said Antonio, adding, “He needs a lot of family support. Family being there. Help him get around – help motivate him – help keep his spirits up.”
And the Bridges for Warriors and Families Organization – for which this event was a fundraiser – provides support for wounded servicemen.
“What this money will be going toward is basic needs. A rent payment. Utilities. A primary car repair, or groceries,” said Glenda Bromberg, wife of Fort Bliss Major General Howard Bromberg.
She says it can take months before the VA processes a wounded veteran’s case, so she helped start the organization to cover costs before that assistance kicks in.
“Here in El Paso alone, people want to help and so here’s a venue to do that,” said Glenda.
And out here, it wasn’t just the runners who were helping the cause. Representatives from the German Air Force were selling bratwursts to benefit the organization.
In whatever way, people of all ages here contributed to the cause; many had specific servicemen on their mind. Robert Barraza brought his family in honor of his father and father-in-law, and a student.
“Unfortunately when the Iraq war first began, an 18-year-old man lost both of his legs in a roadside bomb, so (I’m here) in honor of Adrian Garcia, also from Ysleta High School,” said Barraza, who added, “America must not forget that our veterans do come back – some with traumatic wounds that can be seen and some below the surface.”
But organizers hope events like this one will bring the problems wounded warriors face above the surface, so everyone can help.
If you’d like to make a contribution or find out more about the Bridges for Warriors and Families organization, go to www.bridgesforwarriors.org.
