Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett Latoya Hawes paints a lizard on C.L. Wright, 4 to get him in the festival mood as he gets set to join the hundreds who turn out to show their support for hospitalized veterans and service members at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Administration Medical Center Oct. 4.

About 250 people walked to show their support for hospitalized veterans and active duty military Oct. 4 at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center on Wrightsboro Road.

The walk and festival featured a variety of entertainment, children's games and lots of food.

"We've gotten a lot of good community support," said Kimberly Hoge, the hospital's chief of voluntary services, who coordinated the event to raise money and awareness for the patients.

The event raised about $6,800 to provide extra items for hospital patients.

Students from Glenn Hills High School raised $800.

They "really went out of their way," said Hoge.

During the ceremony, hospital officials acknowledged veterans of wars staying at the hospital.

Vera King and Oliver Withers are both World War II veterans. Karnig Surabian served in the Korean War. Earnest Brown is a Vietnam war veteran. Bruce Joyner is a Gulf War veteran and Vanessa Harris has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom.

Also, there was a balloon release honoring those who had served.

There were two courses for walkers - a flat paved trail served as the basic training course and the hills behind the VA made for a tougher "gung-ho" course.