A veteran injured in Afghanistan is running again this weekend with a mission close to his heart.

  • Greg Para running in Sgt. Eric Landon 5k Memorial Run
  • Para served in Afghanistan, suffered injuries
  • Race is in memory of soldier who took his life in 2015
  • Want to sign up for run? Click here

Fifty-four-year-old Greg Para of Bradenton was an avid runner before being deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

"I would run along the beaches and the causeways and the bridges," Para said.

But while serving, Para suffered injuries to his shoulders, back and neck. The former Navy officer also struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I came back and it took me by surprise," Para said. "The nightmares. I didn't want to be alive and I didn't know why."

Para worked through the mental anguish and underwent four different surgeries to repair the physical damage. In May, doctors finally gave him the green light to run again.

For his comeback race, Para has chosen to participate in the Sgt. Eric Landon 5k Memorial Run on Saturday.

Landon, who served in the Army for 10 years, took his own life in 2015. The 27-year-old left behind his wife Rachel and two young daughters, who live in Palm Harbor.


Saturday's run is in memory of Sgt. Eric Landon

When Para learned the 5k in Landon's memory will benefit the charity Stop Soldier Suicide, he immediately signed up and started training,

On race day, Para said a couple of things will weigh heavy on his mind.

"One is how fortunate I am to have come through this whole medical and mental storm and come out the other side five years later the lucky one," Para said.

But Para said he will also be thinking of all the veterans who have lost their lives to suicide. He hopes by running the 5k, he will do his part to raise awareness.

For those interested in running as well, registration will run through Saturday morning. For more information on how to sign up, visit the race website at http://sgtericlandon.com/