Some pounded water, others huddled around the finish line mopping up sweat. But 4-year-old Alex Dougherty was spry as ever just minutes after trekking a cool 3.1 miles. ADVERTISING Some pounded water, others huddled around the finish line mopping up
Some pounded water, others huddled around the finish line mopping up sweat. But 4-year-old Alex Dougherty was spry as ever just minutes after trekking a cool 3.1 miles.
“It was great,” Alex said with a grin.
Early Monday morning, before most had fired up the grill or defrosted the hamburger patties, Alex and his mom Cortney Dougherty were at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo taking part in the VFW Post 3830’s sixth annual Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk.
Nearly 300 people of all ages registered for this year’s race called “A Salute to our Veterans,” which aimed to pay tribute to veterans and those on active duty.
Proceeds will be used to expand the VFW Post 3830’s existing facility in Pahoa and build a new kitchen and dining pavilion, race co-chair Pat Sauer said.
The effort has raised more than $40,000 since it began.
“The major goal of this is to give a salute to the veterans that have served our country,” Sauer said.
“It’s a good time of year for a run, there’s a lot of people around and when we started it six years ago, it fit well with the running community’s calendar.”
“And after all, the Fourth of July celebrates the beginning of our independence and soldiers who fought for this country.”
Similar to years past, a line of residents in wheelchairs from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home led the way at the race’s start. Several wore patriotic-themed sunglasses, red, white and blue beads and Fourth of July attire.
Among them was 92-year-old Harry Medeiros, a Yukio Okutsu resident and first-year race participant. Medeiros, who served in the Army for 20 years, said he enjoyed getting outside and catching a glimpse of the large turnout.
“I think that they need this over here,” Medeiros said.
“It sends a statement for everybody. And it can be shared with youngsters joining the service too.”
Also participating — for the second consecutive year — was Jerome Stoltz, a 73-year-old Navy veteran who said as a veteran, he sometimes feels forgotten.
“We did our part and we served our country but often it’s like, ‘We’re done with you,’” he said.
“That’s the attitude we get too much of the time, and this lets them know that we’re here, which is important.”
The VFW aims to help local vets throughout the year. Members regularly visit veterans and nursing homes, help with transportation and help secure wheelchairs, walkers and other necessities they might need, according to the VFW Post 3830 website.
The post also helps plan memorial and burial services. In May, Post members planned a graveside service for 86-year-old Hilo veteran William “Bill” Dulaney, who died in March with no known survivors. Dozens of veterans — many who’d never even met Dulaney — attended the service.
“We’re here to support the veterans,” said Bill Lucas, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and one of Monday’s race organizers.
“Just to show they’re not forgotten.”
For Alex Doughtery, Monday’s run was his first ever.
At age 4, he’s already eyeing another race in Volcano later this summer. Cortney Dougherty said she runs regularly and was thrilled Alex wanted to join.
The family had barbecue plans that evening — but they first wanted to start the holiday off by giving back.
“We like to support the veterans,” Cortney said.
