'Unbelievable, life-changing:' Runners, walkers raise money for 'We Run, They Fly' program





We Run, They Fly 2019



MILWAUKEE -- Hundreds gathered at Milwaukee's lakefront on Sunday morning, July 28 for the fourth annual "We Run, They Fly." The event's funding gives veterans the opportunity of a lifetime.

"It provides closure for the soul," said Cory Geisler of Batteries + Bulbs, an event sponsor.

Those taking part hit the pavement for the red, white, and blue.

"We're flying an entire plane of veterans today," said Joni Nogay, founder of We Run, They Fly.

We Run, They Fly 2019



The money raised Sunday would give more than 80 veterans a chance to have their Stars and Stripes Honor Flight day -- heading to their war memorial in Washington, D.C.

"It's great to be able to see the looks on these veterans' faces when you know they can be told, 'You're going on the flight,'" Geisler said.

Randy Zemel



It is a day veteran Randy Zemel will never forget. He flew on the 51st Honor Flight in May.

"It was the most unbelievable, life-changing, emotional event that I've ever been on," Zemel said.

On Sunday, Zemel paid it forward, hoping to provide other veterans with the same experience he had.

"I want to give back -- to fly loads and loads of other veterans," Zemel said.

We Run, They Fly 2019



Sunday's 5K raised $35,000, as runners and walkers supported the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program. Veterans in red said the Honor Flight program offers a sense of closure -- and it is all thanks to this one event that they are able to fly.

CLICK HERE if you would like to learn more about Stars and Stripes Honor Flight -- or if you would like to make a personal donation to the program.

We Run, They Fly 2019