A Nevadan’s Take on DAV’s Annual 5k

By Chuck N. Baker 

(Las Vegas) — With the health and wellness of its participants at the forefront, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transitioned its traditional in-person 5K in Cincinnati into a virtual-only event last November. The first virtual DAV 5K event featured more than 3,400 participants who took part from every state in the nation.  

The DAV provides services for disabled veterans that can be life-changing. Even just the acknowledgment of the basic-awareness of American veterans with disabilities living positive and uplifting lives can serve to raise the spirits of thousands of others, spurring them on to greater challenges in their own lives. Las Vegas resident Dennis Fulkerson is such a veteran, one of several from Nevada who participated in the DAV virtual 5K. “I just became aware of the DAV about a year ago,” he said. He invested 23 years in the Air Force in the Office of Special Investigations. He initially enlisted as a security policeman but was cross-trained in investigations. He ended up staying with that discipline for his entire career. The native of Montana said, “I served in Europe and the Middle East, and I injured my back in the military.” His last assignment was at Nellis AFB, and he opted to stay in the Silver State and find employment. In 2020, he learned about the DAV 5K and decided to go for it.  

The 5K is used to raise charitable funds for the veteran’s organization. Barry Jesinoski, the National Headquarters Executive Director of the DAV, said “Over the past few years, this event has become synonymous with camaraderie and perseverance. And why wouldn't it be? There are so many amazing stories you hear as a part of this event, and it’s one of the reasons we look forward to it each year.”  

The event has inspired Fulkerson to expand his charitable activities. “I am hoping to start an event in Las Vegas similar to the DAV 5K,” he said. “We have so many opportunities for that here in town.” Fulkerson currently sits on the board for the annual Opportunity Village, ‘Great Santa Run.’ It attracts thousands of runners and walkers to the city from all over the world and raises thousands of dollars for the long-time charity. In that event, the great majority of participants run dressed as Santa Claus, or at least a reasonable facsimile. Fulkerson feels he can develop the same large impact for the DAV by producing a disabled veterans’ event, sans the red Christmas attire. In addition to volunteering with Opportunity Village, he is also active with the American Heart Association, the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Las Vegas Rescue Mission’s, ‘Walk a Mile In My Shoes’ 5K run.  

The DAV 5K opening ceremonies were hosted by local Ohio radio personalities. The celebration began at the virtual starting line with the DAV’s 2018 Freedom Award winner and Marine veteran, Jataya Taylor, who spoke warmly about the event. Fulkerson said he agreed with Taylor’s comments about the DAV 5K, published in the DAV magazine. She said, “I was thrilled to be a part of it. It doesn’t matter what branch you served in. We are all members of the same team and served to protect the same freedoms. And for all of you who did not serve in the military, you are just as important, because you stand with us and lend your support to ensure we have the ability to enjoy the freedom that we fought for.” 

Fulkerson is still serving the country these days as an employee with the Department of Energy, and he is devoted to giving back to the nation and to others less fortunate. DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess said, “This year’s 5K was unlike any other we have done, but the dedication and spirit of our participants did not fade at all … All of our supporters and participants proved that distance was no match for their commitment to our nation’s veterans and their families. It’s genuinely appreciated and truly inspiring to see.” DAV member Fulkerson is certainly inspired, as well as inspiring urging others to go the distance and to take part in all that life has to offer, no matter what.  

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