Longview residents filled Teague Park Saturday morning for the Strong Shall Stand 5K, a community‑run race aimed at supporting Operation True North, a nonprofit that provides mental‑health counseling to veterans, first responders and medical workers and their families.
Local volunteers lead the effort
Green Beret veteran Miguel Fabbiani, a career Army soldier, addressed participants as they lined up at the start line. “Even though we don’t wear uniforms anymore, there’s no reason why we can’t continue to serve our community, much more importantly, our fellow veterans,” he said. Fabbiani emphasized that the bonds formed in uniform are reinforced when civilians step up to help those who have served.
“People don’t realize how much we need our civilian community,” he added, noting that community support makes the transition from military to civilian life smoother for service members.
Operation True North’s mission
Executive Director Grace Henderson explained that many of the people they serve carry burdens they cannot share openly. “For our veterans, they’ve done their service but there’s a lot that is hard for them and is difficult to set down afterwards. For our first responders and medical workers, they’re dealing with traumas day in and day out,” Henderson said.
Common challenges include post‑traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and job‑related stress. Henderson, who grew up in a military family and has watched friends deploy after 9/11, described how these issues ripple through families and communities.
Impact on the East Texas community
Operation True North currently serves more than 240 individual and family clients and runs around 50 group sessions. Proceeds from the 5K will fund additional counseling appointments, peer‑support groups and outreach activities for those eligible for the program.
Participants ran past military statues and memorials in the park, a reminder of the sacrifices honored each Veterans Day. “This feels natural to me,” Fabbiani said. “I’ve worn the uniform the majority of my adult life, so it just feels good to walk and support this cause.”
Why mental‑health support matters
Experts note that untreated mental‑health conditions can lead to homelessness, substance abuse and strained family relationships. By providing free or low‑cost counseling, Operation True North helps keep veterans and first responders productive members of the community, reinforcing the traditional family values that strengthen neighborhoods.
Local businesses and civic groups have pledged donations, underscoring the community’s commitment to caring for those who protect and serve. The event also highlighted the importance of faith‑based and family‑centered networks in offering a stable environment for recovery.
Looking ahead
Henderson said the organization hopes to expand its services to more counties in East Texas and to increase the number of group therapy sessions available. “Our goal is to ensure that no veteran, first responder, or healthcare worker feels they have to face their struggles alone,” she said.
The Strong Shall Stand 5K demonstrated that Longview’s civilian community is ready to stand beside its heroes, providing the moral and practical support needed for lasting mental‑health recovery.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
