FORT WALTON BEACH — The Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)’s annual Jingle Bell Jog is approaching.
More than 1,000 runners are expected to take off Dec. 14 from Uptown Station to raise money for families of fallen or wounded Special Forces soldiers.
Last month the group lost two soldiers in Afghanistan within one week. Several others also have been wounded this year, said Steve Tuttle, president of the Special Forces Association Chapter 7 and the run’s organizer.
The association works to fill gaps the government can’t, such as providing scholarships for family members, computer equipment so wounded soldiers can communicate with their families while hospitalized and travel expenses for families of the fallen to attend memorial services.
“We try to help out as much as we can,” Tuttle said.
Last year’s run drew about 1,200 participants. Tuttle hopes for 1,500 this year.
The race includes a 10K, which will cross the Brooks Bridge to Okaloosa Island, and a 5K Family Run or Walk. The races begin at 8 a.m. and finish back at Uptown Station.
Several guns will be raffled off for donations during the after-race party.
