The last Saturday in September is when Russell County comes together for America’s military veterans, reminding them that they are not alone and they are loved. Each year Doro Martin and a host of volunteers host VetFest, a family-oriented day of fun events that also raises funds for Stop Soldier Suicide.
“VetFest SWVA again was a very successful this year,” Martin said. “Even though we were competing with a bunch of other races and events in the area we still got phenomenal support.”
Martin added, “Invisible wounds are the hardest to heal because they are not obvious. Our mottos are ‘connecting event at a time’, ‘you are not alone’ and ‘make it to tomorrow.’ Our goal is to put on events everyone can find interest in and hopefully find a reason to come out and for us to have a chance to meet them where they are at.”
Opening ceremonies for the 2026 event featured words from Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Senator Todd Pillion. VetFest attendees helped display a 30×60 foot American flag while Tanya Odle, Haley Statzer and Breanna Rasnake brought chills to the crowd with a moving rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Richlands High School’s JROTC presented the colors and the Lebanon Veterans of Foreign Wars gave the 21-gun salute and played taps.
There were 40 plus runners for the Austin Daughtery Memorial 5K-12K Run-Walk-Ruck.
A new event for VetFest in 2026 was the Art Memorial K9 Competition, named in honor of the late Russell County K9 Art. Martin said that competition drew 10 teams, including some from as far away as LaFollet, Tennessee.
“Part of our raised funds will go, per usual, to Stop Soldier Suicide but we have now the resources to help veterans and their families here in the area,” she said.
“One big step in that direction was a donation from the Moose Lodge in Abingdon that allowed us to purchase a trailer, which makes it easier to get our equipment moved around,” she explained. “We have made a lot of connections and hope to be able to step up our involvement in the communities.”
Martin thanked all the sponsors, supporters and the Town of Lebanon for their continued support, not only of VetFest but all the other events the organization hosts throughout the year. Such events include the VetFest car show, pickleball tournament, adventure ride and Poker Run.
“We hope to be able to reach our fundraising goal of $10,000,” she said.
VetFest has one more event remaining on the schedule.
“We have one event left this year and we are really excited,” Martin said.
VetFest is hosting the Haunted Schoolhouse in Cleveland on Oct. 23 and 24.
