Every step at the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Carry Forward® 5K has a story.
Veterans, families, friends, and military supporters walk and run to honor those who served, raise funds and awareness for WWP®, and show warriors they don’t have to carry life’s challenges alone.
For some, that means carrying the name of a loved one or fellow service member. For others, it means carrying a weighted pack, a flag, or even another person.
In 2026, more than 14,000 people participated in a Carry Forward 5K. From all 50 states to Germany, Canada, and Australia, participants came together to support WWP®.
“Carry Forward gives Americans a meaningful way to stand with veterans and their families and show them they never have to carry life’s challenges alone,” says WWP CEO Walt Piatt.
“Our freedom is defended by the men and women who serve, and many veterans continue to carry the weight of that service long after they return home. Every step at Carry Forward is a statement of gratitude, a way to strengthen connection, and a commitment to carry our mission forward by honoring veterans and ensuring we will be there for them, no matter what.”
Faces of Carry Forward
Every person who takes part in Carry Forward brings their own story and reason for showing up. Here are some of the people and the reasons behind Carry Forward.
I carry because it’s a little bit of me that I can give back to thank them for all that they have sacrificed.
Juan “Mike” Castro – San Antonio
As a professional truck driver, Juan “Mike” Castro was used to hauling freight, from one destination to the next. But when the Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran learned he would be moving a WWP trailer for the Carry Forward 5K, “the trip stopped feeling routine."
Mike, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan three times, said he was honored to help an organization that meant so much to his life.
Following his military service, he struggled with physical injuries, depression, and isolation. Through WWP, Mike found opportunities to reconnect with fellow veterans who understood his experiences.
“There were times when it was easier to stay home than face the world,” he wrote in a letter to WWP. “Wounded Warrior Project gave me reasons to get back out into it.”
As Mike drove the Carry Forward trailer across the country to San Antonio, TX, he says he felt a sense of pride and purpose.
“To me, this isn’t just another trailer. It’s carrying opportunities for another veteran to reconnect with people who understand them, for another family to make memories together, and maybe for someone who’s struggling quietly to realize they aren’t alone.”
Inspired by the experience, Mike completed the 5K with his wife, Veronica.
View Event Photos from the San Antonio 5K
Lizeth Ruhl & Craig Oliver – San Diego
Every year, Lizeth writes the names of 15 family members and friends who served or are currently serving on her Carry Forward race bib.
Now in her fourth year participating in Carry Forward San Diego, Lizeth says it’s her way of honoring their service and sacrifice.
“I love the military for everything they do. I carry because it’s a little bit of me that I can give back to thank them for all that they have sacrificed.”
Craig Oliver, who is recognized as a top fundraiser for Carry Forward, says his participation is just a small way to give thanks to those who have served and protected the country. Craig's team raised over $10,000 for WWP's mission.
“San Diego is a proud military town, veterans are part of our families, our workplaces, and our community," he says.
"Through the Carry Forward 5K, we can honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude by fundraising for Wounded Warrior Project — ensuring veterans receive the care, connection, and recognition they deserve.”
View Event Photos from the San Diego 5K
Cody Hunt – San Antonio
For Air Force veteran Cody Hunt, the Carry Forward 5K took on a more personal meaning after losing a friend and fellow warrior to suicide.
The two bonded over shared experiences, including the unexpected end of their military careers and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. They also connected over books and music.
“Sometimes you meet people who just understand you, and those friendships have an impact that you know will last forever,” said Cody.
Cody was already registered for Carry Forward when he received the news of his friend’s passing.
“Carry Forward gave me a way to honor him, remember the connection we shared, and help other veterans who might need that same support and connection,” said Cody, who raised over $1,000 in his friend’s name.
Scott and Shea Hughes & Family – Nashville
Scott and Shea Hughes have been WWP fans for many years. As peer mentors, they often attend events to raise awareness of the organization that helped their family after Scott left the Army.
The Carry Forward 5K has become a family tradition, with the couple bringing more friends and loved ones each year. Together, their group runs with flags and wears body armor or weighted packs to represent the weight of the burdens that military families carry.
Despite Nashville's event being canceled due to inclement weather, the Hughes family still gathered to raise awareness of WWP and the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
“As a family support member, we do a lot of carrying,” says Shea.
“Carry Forward gives us a physical reminder of that weight and what it means to support one another. It’s a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices our military families make.”
For Scott, Carry Forward is not about walking or running. "It's about the opportunity to carry the load for others that once carried me. It's also a way to remember those who I would gladly carry again," says Scott.
He adds: “Being able to do it with family and friends is an amazing way to share part of my military life.”
Amber Kulesza & James Nadeau – Jacksonville, Florida
Completing a 5K once felt out of reach for Air Force veteran Amber Kulesza. Living with physical injuries, Amber doubted whether she could make it to the finish line. But encouragement from fellow veterans gave her the confidence to try, and she completed the Carry Forward 5K, saying the experience gave her a new sense of what was possible.
“Crossing the finish line reminded me how far I’ve come. Now I hope my experience encourages another warrior to take that first step. Just show up and try. You might surprise yourself with what you can do.”
Joining Amber in Jacksonville was James Nadeau. The Army veteran returned for his second Carry Forward 5K with his health top of mind. He embraced the race as a way to stay active, connect with fellow veterans, and honor friends and family.
"Carry Forward reminds me that none of us has to carry life's challenges alone. There are people who will support you, lift you up, and help you stay focused on the next step," says James, who credits WWP and fellow warriors with helping him move forward.
For James, some of the most meaningful moments come from seeing participants encourage one another to the finish line.
"We're all out there for each other," he says. "Whether you're walking, running, or facing something difficult in life, the message is the same: keep moving forward. You don't have to do it alone."
Carry Forward Around the World
Carry Forward isn't limited by geography. The spirit of the fundraiser reaches far and wide. From all 50 states to military communities overseas, participants can join an organized event or complete a virtual 5K wherever they feel called. Different places. Different stories. One shared mission.
Steve Heiges – Virtual
For Steve Heiges, one 5K wasn’t enough. The Army veteran completed three virtual Carry Forward 5K events in honor of three generations of military service in his family: his grandfather, father, and brother.
A graduate of WWP’s Warrior Care Network® program, Steve says he carries forward as a way of giving back. “Wounded Warrior Project helped me begin my journey of growing and healing by being able to heal deeper and wider,” he says.
“My fundraising provides me a way to pay forward the outstanding gift of recovery and wellness opportunities received from Wounded Warrior Project.”
Valerie Viscardi – Puerto Rico
WWP Physical Health and Wellness coach Valerie Viscardi hosted Puerto Rico’s first virtual Carry Forward 5K in Caguas.“This event was about much more than a 5K. It was an opportunity to honor service, build community, and ensure that no warrior feels forgotten because of where they live,” she says.
The idea grew after Valerie recognized that Puerto Rico had never hosted an official Carry Forward 5K despite its significant warrior population. The goal was initially modest: find a local park, organize the 5K, and bring together perhaps 15 to 30 participants. On race day, over 110 people participated.
“Seeing warriors, family support members, and community members come together … seeing those connections formed and knowing that participants felt seen, appreciated, and included reinforced why this event is so important. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
Help Carry the Mission Forward
Every mile completed and dollar raised helps WWP provide life-changing programs and services at no cost to warriors and their families.