In Honor Of Disabled Veterans, DAV Hosts 5K In Tulsa

Runners hit the pavement Saturday morning to honor and raise money for Disabled American Veterans.

DAV was founded in the 1920s but it's not federally funded, which is why events like the DAV inaugural run are so important.

Organizers say 80% of the money raised goes directly back to veterans.

As many as 800 people took part in the run, along with close to 70 bikers who showed their support.

“I was struggling through some of it,” Americom Technology Project Manager and veteran Jerry Shepherd said.

Shepherd's company sponsored a team, and 90% of the employees where he works are also veterans.

“The more people we can reach, the more people that can get the information that they need,” said Shepherd.

The group has changed, and in many cases saved lives, like DAV National commander and Coast Guard veteran Dave Riley.

“I got gangrene and lost a few organs and all my limbs from that in 97,” Riley recalled.

As a quadruple amputee, things were tough. But with the help of DAV, Riley says he got better.

“They saved my life,” Riley stated.

And DVA taught him and others there can be a great life after service, but it helps if you get involved.

“The whole problem is we come back from our service and we feel all alone and this lets everybody know you're not alone,” said Shepherd.