Veterans Walk The Walk In Menlo Park

Foreign war veterans and advocates working toward ending the problem of homelessness plaguing the community of former soldiers joined together in Menlo Park today to promote healthy lifestyles.

About 50 people braved ominous grey skies and cold wind to complete a two kilometer walk around the campus of the on Thursday. The organized similar walks across the nation to promote the organization's advocacy for former soldiers.

The walk in Menlo Park was the first of its kind, but was part of President Barack Obama's effort to end veteran homelessness and promote healthy habits, said Bria Heymach, fitness and wellness coordinator at the Veterans Administration.

"It's a really fun event, and a great way to bring awareness to a good cause," said Heymach, who helped coordinate activities.

The abnormally cold weather for June 2 didn't dampen the bright spirits of walkers. Laughs, cheers and smiles were heard and seen throughout the day, as a band comprised of the members of Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program in Menlo Park provided a rock and roll soundtrack to the event.

John Brugeman, a patient in the rehabilitation program, said he was glad to participate in a healthy event for a worthy cause.

"Events like this help promote a feeling of camaraderie," Brugeman said.

His sentiment was seconded by fellow program member David Rice, who saw the event as an opportunity to promote a cause that has helped him rehabilitate himself since returning from service.

"Hopefully this event will help people out there who don't know what kind of services are available to them find people who are willing to help," said Rice, who gives credit to the veterans rehabilitation clinic in Menlo Park to helping him take his life back from drug addiction.
 
Jenneva Bergmann, a veteran and rehabilitation patient, said the walk helped build morale.

"I'm just here to support homeless vets," she said.

Bergmann volunteered during the walk to help injured veterans who needed assistance to participate in and finish the event. Sonia Smith, a veteran who graduated from the rehabilitation program in Menlo Park and is now a member of the Veterans Affairs staff, rallied the crowd's energy before kicking off the walk.

Smith told the crowd her weight loss story after gaining weight in rehabilitation upon returning home from serving in the Gulf War. She said that the decision to lose weight was inspired by her friends and loved ones, and used that experience to encourage the walkers to live an active lifestyle.

"Do something to make sure you are healthy, and that you stay healthy," said Smith, before leading walkers out the starting gates.

During the walk, veteran Rodger Lazaola enjoyed the positive environment.

"This feels good," he said. "Everybody has a smile on their face."

Some veterans bound to motorized wheelchairs participated in the event, while others in manually powered wheelchairs finished the course. Drivers along Willow Road passing the walk honked their horn to show support.

Veteran Robert Davis smiled wide as he crossed the yellow tape on the finish line.

"I think this event was real good," he said. "They got a good program going on here."