Locals Raise Money For Wounded Warrior Project
About $7,000 Raised For Wounded Warrior Project During Walk In Mission Bay
Posted: 10/09/2011
Last Updated:
618 days ago
Hundreds of San Diegans participated in a walk on Saturday to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
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One veteran told 10News the project has changed his life. Nearly seven years ago, Norbie Lara was on combat control in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle."[It] took my arm off at the shoulder, continued on and took my lieutenant's arm, exploded behind her and sent shrapnel into my seat, lacerating my liver," said Lara.Lara's injuries forced him to be placed in a medically-induced coma.He woke up two months later and was introduced to the Wounded Warrior Project, which gave him a backpack full of comfort items."That meant a lot to me," he said. "I was wearing a gown at the time and that was on loan. I really didn't own anything."The Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and services to injured service members. Its logo shows a soldier walking while carrying a wounded comrade.On Saturday, about 100 San Diegans walked the streets in the Mission Bay area for their own beloved warriors."[My] friend, Georgie, stepped on an IED and lost his leg," said a participant.Event organizers said the walk raised about $7,000 for the project. In two prior walking events, the organization has raised a total of about $45,000.Lara said the project's impact on him cannot be calculated."It's been an incredible journey and I wouldn't be here without their support," he said.Copyright Do you have more information about this story? Click here to contact usCopyright 2011 by 10News.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.