BRANDON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The cool April morning in Brandon couldn't have been better for the occasion.
"It's moving. Whole family here, so we appreciate everyone coming out. Beautiful day for a run," says Eddie Smith, stepfather of Marine Staff Sergeant Jason Rogers. The Brandon native was killed one year ago April 7 in Afghanistan, while getting two badly wounded Marines to safety.
The Saturday morning sunlight glistened as Brandon City firefighters, male and female, ran the 5-k in full gear.
"It helps us get ready for firefighting, keeps us in shape, we have the opportunity to get some good public relations with people in our community," says BFD Division Chief Terry Wages.
Military men and women ran too. One soldier ran while carrying a 70-pound pack on his back.
Families were there, to challenge themselves, and to offer support to the Wounded Warrior Project.
"It's great to see so many people from across Mississippi, different walks of life, here today to support the Wounded Warrior Project for the men and women who've returned, who have been injured, carrying those scars throughout their life," says Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering, who also attended.
Patrick House, Rogers' old school mate, was there, along with Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General Leon Collins. He remembered Rogers stepping up when needed at a past event.
"Jason just happened to be in town. They said, who's gonna carry the Marine Corps Flag? Jason said I'll carry it. That was the same Jason that when the country called and said who's gonna fight our battles, Jason said I'll go, I'll do it," Major General Collins says.
Rogers' mother, Jenny Smith, presented the Patriot Guard with a check. She tells her brother in law, WLBT News Director Dennis Smith, that the turnout has touched her beyond words.
"There's a lot of love. I feel it. It's what's keeping me going," she says.
Proceeds from the race will support military members, wounded warriors, and their families.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
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