By Ernie Dominguez, Director of Development

In honor of the daily sacrifices made by the brave men and women in all branches of the United States Military, Operation Float A Soldier (OFAS) hosted a 5K Fun Run/Walk in conjunction with the 16th Annual Canyon Lake Chamber BBQ Cook-off at Joint Base San Antonio Recreation Park – Jacobs Creek Park on Saturday, April 26th in Canyon Lake, TX.

The event benefited Operation Float A Soldier, a local nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization supporting injured military members and their families.  OFAS hosts summer lake day events at Canyon Lake for Wounded Warriors and their families and other off-season events such as hunting and fishing trips.  The 5K event welcomed runners and walkers of all ages and anyone with a patriotic spirit who wanted to show support for the troops and veterans.

With over 120 participants in the 5K, OFAS raised over $5,000, which will help to fund the summer lake day events at Canyon Lake and other off-season activities for Wounded Warriors and their families.

Immediately following the OFAS 5K, all event participants were invited to the 16th Annual Canyon Lake Chamber BBQ Cook-off for tasty BBQ, refreshments and live entertainment, including the Canyon Lake High School Band. The BBQ Team, “H2O to Go”, won First Place–Brisket at the Chamber Cook-off and generously donated their $200 prize to OFAS!

Sponsors for the 5K event were Hill Country Land and Homes Realty, Paul Swoyer Septics, Canyon Lake Rotary, GBRA, Security State Bank & Trust, Stewart Title, Blue Star Mothers, Checkered Flag Automotive, Harris Hardrock Trenching, Jernigan Homes and South End Pub. A BIG THANK YOU to all event sponsors, 5K participants and volunteers!

The vision for OFAS is fueled by co-founders Wes Garnett and Seth Warnick and a dedicated group of volunteers.  “OFAS was an answered prayer for me, and has become an integral part of my life giving back to those who protect our freedoms and liberties.  This is just a small part of what I can do to show my appreciation to all who have sacrificed so much for our great country,” said Garnett. Warnick added, “Having the opportunity to benefit wounded warriors and their families has been life changing for both the wounded warriors and for the volunteers that partner with us to accomplish our mission. Being a 100% volunteer organization with low overhead, OFAS provides direct line impact to our wounded warriors increasing the impact of every dollar raised and every hour volunteered.”

For more information about Operation Float A Soldier, please visit www.floatasoldier.org.

About Operation Float A Soldier:

Operation Float A Soldier (OFAS) is a local nonprofit 501c3 (TAX ID# 26-0668233), 100% volunteer organization which began in the summer of 2005.  Our mission is to improve the lives and lift the spirits of Wounded Warriors and their families through recreational outings on Canyon Lake.  The military members we serve have been wounded in battle and some suffer very serious wounds.  It is our goal to give these brave men and women the opportunity to take a break from grueling rehab at San Antonio Military Medical Center, and enjoy a day of fun, fishing, floating and fellowship.  As Wounded Warriors are healing in body, mind and soul we hope to be a part of that healing process.

In addition to the summer events at Canyon Lake, we are involved in developing other off-season initiatives that will have a positive impact on the Wounded Warriors and their families.  Over 3,000 Wounded Warriors and family members have participated in and benefited from OFAS events.  For more information, please visit our website at www.floatasoldier.org and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Float-A-Soldier-OFAS/122058014543939!