Wounded Warrior Project's 'Carry Forward' 5K Honors Veterans with Unique Tribute

The Carry Forward 5K

• 🏁 This weekend in Jacksonville, the Wounded Warrior Project is hosting its fourth Carry Forward 5K of the year.
• 🤝 The race's theme, "Carry Forward," pays tribute to the camaraderie of veterans.
• 🏃 Many participants will complete the 3.1-mile course carrying a flag, weight, or even another person.

Marine Sergeant Bill Hansen's Journey

• 🇺🇸 Retired Marine Sergeant Bill Hansen, a veteran of the Iraq War, will be carrying his four-year-old son in the race.
• 🤕 Hansen sustained severe injuries in 2009, including broken bones in his neck and spine, a skull fracture, and a traumatic brain injury.
• 💊 He later struggled with an addiction to pain medication but found support through the Wounded Warrior Project.

Rehabilitation and Inspiration

• 💪 The Wounded Warrior Project helped Hansen through exercise, leading him to become certified to assist other veterans and compete in Strongman competitions.
• 💡 Hansen aims to use the 5K to inspire other veterans, showing them that there is a way to overcome pain and re-engage with life.
• 🌟 His personal motto is to encourage others to "Get off your couch and get back into life."

Supporting Veterans

• 💰 Proceeds from the Carry Forward 5K will fund free services for veterans.
• 🎖️ Serving the country is a family tradition for Bill Hansen, with ancestors participating in major American conflicts dating back to the Civil War.