Running through Tacoma's Point Defiance Park is like running through a cathedral of green, peace and quiet. For the members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Team Red, White and Blue (RWB), The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon the park offered the perfect spot at Owen Beach to launch the 4th annual 5K Run As One event.

A spirit of cooperation quickly formed between the three organizations this morning as thousands of veterans, military families and supporters across the nation joined together to show their support of positive solutions for veteran transition and reintegration to civilian life.

The 40 runners, a handful of children and several dogs gathered on Point Defiance Park's Owen Beach made for a colorful and friendly group.

After a group picture, the runners, and some walkers, headed up a steep hill and out onto the park's 5 Mile Drive.

Staff Sgt. Joseph West, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, led the entire way carrying an American flag.

"People cheer," he said.  "I've had older veterans stop and salute the flag as I go by."

Today's run also honored the memory of Clay Hunt, a marine who lost his fight to suicide.

>>> About 40 members of Team Red, White and Blue, The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon participated in the 4th Annual nationwide "Run As One" 5K at Point Defiance Park MArch 28. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Founded in 2010, Team RWB delivers opportunities for veterans and the community to connect.  Weekly fitness activities, monthly social events, and local races are recurring events.

The organization has more than 100 chapters and 56,000 members nationwide.  For more information, visit www.TeamRWB.org.

The Mission Continues empowers veterans to serve their country through two innovative and action-oriented programs. 

The Mission Continues Fellowship Program harnesses veterans' strengths and empowers them to serve their communities.  The Mission Continues Service Platoon Program brings teams of veterans together to confront challenges in their communities. To learn more, visit www.missioncontinue.org.

And last, Team Rubicon brings together the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to deploy emergency response teams to areas afflicted by disasters.  More information can be found a www.teamrubiconusa.org.

"This run is about community," commented Flavia Hulsey, the community outreach director for the JBLM Team Red, White and Blue. "We are stronger together than when we are alone; we work to connect veterans to their community through physical and social activities."

>>> A red shirted line of runners and walkers climb the steep hill from Owens Beach and into Point Defiance Park during the "Run As One" 5K to raise awareness on veteran community involvement March 28. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson