Willie McCabe Memorial Run set to honor homeless veterans

A son will honor his late father while raising money to help other veterans.

This upcoming Sunday, October 25, the First Annual Willie McCabe Memorial Run is taking place to shine a spotlight on veterans who have struggled to find shelter or to re-adjust after serving their country.

The event will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Owl’s Head Park, Colonial Road and 68th Street, starting on Lookout Hill.

The race will be a 5K run and will pay tribute to Willie McCabe, a homeless veteran who died on the streets of Bay Ridge almost 10 years ago. The run will also shed light on and honor the 307,000 forgotten veterans who died awaiting healthcare and shelter, according to Liam McCabe, Willie’s son and the event organizer.

There will be a $20 entrance fee and all proceeds will go to organizations “Who’s Saving Who” and “Support Homeless Veterans.” “Who’s Saving Who” trains rescue dogs and partners them up with veterans who are disabled or have suffered PTSD, while “Support Homeless Veterans” helps to find them shelter.

Music, refreshments, shirts, and more will also be provided.

“It’s a great way to raise some money and to honor my dad,” noted McCabe, adding, “He would have loved it.” McCabe went on to explain how the event is “a collaboration of several organizations trying to preemptively help homeless veterans before it’s too late.”

McCabe said that his organization recently received permission to fly a flag on the U.S. Capitol in honor of the late veteran Howie Dunn. The winner of the Willie McCabe Memorial Run will receive that flag.