She did the 5K with a K9!

Coral Osborne follows DAV on social media to stay informed about the work being done for her and her fellow disabled veterans. She likes being in the loop regarding DAV’s legislative advocacy at the local and federal levels, as well as hearing about fun events like the DAV 5K.

“DAV helped me to file my benefits claim with the VA. They have been an incredible asset to me,” she said. “I have never felt pressured to do anything in return for their services. So when I heard about the DAV 5K, I signed up as a way to give back for all they have done for me.”

Yet, Osborne didn’t go it alone. She had her Shadow with her.

“My dog, Shadow, and I did a little bit of jogging and a lot of walking,” said the former Marine K-9 handler, laughing. “He’s a good dog. He sticks by me.”

On the day of the 5K, Osborne, her husband and Shadow loaded up in their truck and drove downtown by the river close to where they live in Boerne, Texas.

“Along the way, we decided to snap some pics and enter them into the photo contest to see if we could win anything,” she said. “We won ‘Best Costume!’”

While winning the contest made her day, Osborne had a greater purpose for participating in the event.

“I hope to get the word out because some veterans don’t know that DAV even exists,” she said. “I’ve heard other veterans say, ‘I need help to file my benefits claim. But, I don’t know what to do.’”

She encourages them to visit their local DAV benefits advocate like she did.

“Go to DAV. They will take it from there. That’s all you’ve got to do,” said Osborne. “They’ll get your files and go through your records to see what issues you have associated with being in the service, and they’ll help you file your claim.”

Osborne sees the tremendous value in veterans helping veterans.

DAV exists to empower veterans and their families by providing the help they need and ensuring we keep our promise to them.

Are you interested in supporting our nation’s heroes? Register for this year’s DAV 5K today!