erans, first responders, families and community supporters came together to honor fallen service members and raise funds for veteran support programs.

According to Attaway, the event featured 1-mile, 5K and 10K routes beginning near the back of the park by the Stinson home. Participants traveled past Stitchin’ Heaven and along surrounding county roads.

Attaway thanked the many sponsors and vol- unteers who helped make the event possible, in- cluding title sponsor Heroes Ranch, a nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders and their families through outdoor recreation, mentorship and healing programs.

He also recognized several local businesses and organizations for supporting the event, including Republic Services, Peoples Telephone Cooper- ative, Rockett’s Smokin’ Grill, Stitchin’ Heaven, the Wood County Economic Development Com- mission, Joe Rogers Construction and Texas Cow Burners, along with several additional sponsors.

During the ceremony, Attaway paid tribute to his late uncle, Lt. Col. Jerry Attaway, a Vietnam veteran and Silver Star recipient who died in 1993. He said the event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military service members and their families.

Attaway explained that 99% of proceeds from the event would benefit Boot Campaign, a non- profit organization focused on restoring the lives of veterans and military families through programs addressing brain health, mental health, chronic pain, nutrition, self-care and financial wellness. The remaining proceeds will support the Quitman Lake Country Foundation.

Guest speaker Drew Mason, an Air Force vet- eran from Wood County, shared his personal ex- perience with Boot Campaign and spoke about the challenges many veterans face after military service.

“Surviving and truly living are not the same thing,” Mason told the crowd.

Mason said the organization helped him better understand stress, emotional regulation, nutri- tion and overall wellness, allowing him to be- come more present for his family.

“Sometimes veterans don’t need another speech about being strong,” Mason said. “Sometimes they need someone to help carry the weight for a little while, and that’s what today is about.”

He noted that Boot Campaign has already helped more than 20 veterans in the Wood Coun- ty area through individualized care and wellness support.

Attaway later recognized Gold Star family member Christine Vasquez Thomas during the ceremony. Thomas’ brother, Staff Sgt. Richard Vasquez of the 7th Special Forces Group, was killed in Afghanistan.

Before participants began the event, Attaway thanked the Quitman Police Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, Quitman Fire Department and other volunteers for helping ensure the safe- ty of those taking part in the ruck.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer before participants headed to the starting line.

Logan Sawyer of the district attorney’s office was the first 10K finisher with a time of 26:31. Courtney Kearney was the first female finisher in the 10K, crossing the line in 31:20.

The top two finishers in the 10K ruck division — participants who carried at least 35 pounds while completing the course — were Leo Sekour and Matthew Rogers. The top 10 finishers in the division received commemorative plaques made by Attaway.