The first ever Army Marathon is just weeks away, and it's going to happen right here in central Texas.
Monica Velez is training for it with very a special mission at heart.
She's running in memory of her two brothers, CPL Jose Velez and SPC Andrew Velez.
Jose was killed in action in Iraq in 2004 at age 23, and Andrew took his own life in Afghanistan in 2006.
Monica is also running for anyone else who lost a loved one in the military.
"We anticipate to spend our whole life with this person, brother or sister, and to suddenly lose them is a big part of who you are," she said.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) helped Monica through her most difficult time.
She said, "I probably would not be here today, if it had not been for my TAPS family."
TAPS is one of six military-related charities the marathon raises money for.
"We want to be able to help active duty folks, as well as veterans living in the area with different things that maybe the DoD can't pay for," said Ed Bandas on of the organizers for the event.
Another charity getting help is The Semper Fi Fund, helping injured Marine Corps veterans, like Adam Wagner, get the help they need.
"What I'd really like to touch on is suicide prevention. We're losing that fight every day," said Adam, "Some people are looking for help, and some people just need that little push."
And knowing the race will benefit organizations like that makes every step that much more meaningful for Monica.
"It is a silver lining, it's something that's very close to my heart," she said.
The race will be on April 21st.
It starts at the Killeen Civic Center and ends in Temple.
Volunteers, runners and people to cheer them on are still needed.
Learn more here.
Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com
