A local family is making sure veterans and first responders are getting the help they need.
In 2011, Spencer Duncan was one of 30 soldiers who died, when a helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.
This attack is the worst single-day loss of American life in the Afghan War.
Spencer was from Olathe, Kansas. Ever since his tragic death his parents have been raising money to help veterans deal with PTSD.
They’ve hosted the Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count 5K Run and Walk for six years now.
Dale Duncan, Spencer’s father says there is no better way to remember his son.
“We honor Spencer’s legacy in just about everything we do,” Dale said. “We continue to work to raise money to support veterans, because that’s exactly what our son would have done when he came home.”
The foundation has raised more than $300,000.
This money has provided book scholarships to more than 200 student veterans.
They have also sent 13 veterans to Oklahoma State University for a veterans entrepreneurship program.
Spencer’s mother, Megan Duncan says it’s the least they could do.
“Spencer did have a sense of purpose that was higher than himself,” Megan said. “Just a desire to really go out and try and take care of people who couldn’t take care of themselves. So, who are we not to try to continue that. Our son had that at 21, we better go ahead and keep that going.”
On top of that, they are now helping veterans and first responders go through the Warriors’ Ascent program. Warriors’ Ascent is an experimental healing program that concentrates on the mind,body and soul. So far, 55 Kansas City officers and veterans have gone through the program.
Nathan Majers is a veteran and now a Kansas City Police Officer who says this program changed his life.
“I tried everything, good and bad and nothing worked for me personally,” Majers said. “This program saved me, it saved my marriage, it saved the relationship I have with my kids.”
The Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count 5K Run and Walk is on August 5.
Spencer’s parents said they expect more people to come this year than ever before.
Kansas City Live host Joel Nichols will emcee the event. U.S. Representative Kevin Yoder and Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland are both expected to attend.
You can still register for the run at MakeItCountToday.org. Registration cost $30.
