Dublin VA Medical Center hosts VA2K walk to support homeless veterans and wellness
Veterans and community members joined the Dublin VA’s annual VA2K walk to support wellness and collect resources for homeless veterans in Middle Georgia.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Veterans, staff and supporters came together Wednesday at the Dublin VA Medical Center for the annual VA2K, a walk and wellness event aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting homeless veterans.
Participants walked, ran or rolled in their wheelchairs on the two-kilometer course around the facility. Keith Griffin, Chief for Development & Civic Engagement for the VA, says this event offers people a chance to initiate a healthy lifestyle.
“The whole health component is about exercise, getting up and walking, stuff like that, for our veterans, for our employees, as well as our community,” Griffin said. “So, we asked them to come out and participate as well, and the ask it to just bring non-perishable items, any type of items we can use to supply resources to our homeless veterans.”
Griffin says the annual event also offers a chance to give to those in need.
“Well, it takes a village to help us take care of our veterans, so it’s an opportunity for people to give back and help our homeless veterans how are struggling and who are in need of resources,” Griffin said. “So, this is just a way for the community and the VA to come together and provide resources to our homeless veterans.”
U.S. Army veteran Griffin Bonner says this is his first VA2K. By the sound of it, it won’t be his last.
“I love everything!” he said. “They treat you right. All the staff and nurses, they do you right, and that’s what I love about it. I’ve been to some other places, but nothing like the VA in Dublin, Georgia.”
Griffin says all veterans deserve our help because of the sacrifices they’ve made.
“Some of our veterans have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Griffin said. “So, anytime we can partnership with them and bring them to the facility, get a chance to look at the facility and enjoy the resources, and give back to the veterans that serve.”
