Crossfit gym hosts 5k to benefit veterans non-profit

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Some people chose to start their Memorial Day weekend with a 5K at Driftless CrossFit Saturday.

Participants could choose to walk, run, or ruck the 5K.

It's dedicated to honoring local veterans and benefits the La Crosse Area Veterans Mentorship program.

The program pairs a veteran mentor with a veteran struggling with things like mental health or substance abuse.

Matt Thompson was a volunteer at the 5K, and said he has a personal connection to the mentor program.

"I'm an Iraq veteran, I had my own tough time coming home and it was hard, your at the bottom of that hole and it's hard to see the light, but I had the support of-- I had to have been one of the first mentees of the Veterans Mentor Program, I became a mentor, and now I'm Operations Manager so... It's one thing I've still got a passion for and I like giving back to my fellow veterans," said Thompson.

Thompson added he hopes the 5k can become an annual event.

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