Hosted by AVET-Project To Support Miliary Families
In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the AVET Project is hosting its annual “Heroes for Military Kids” 5K and Kids Dash. This community event is a heartfelt tribute to the strength and sacrifices of the children within our military families and will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Avenue Viera. To register in advance, CLICK HERE.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the AVET Project is hosting its annual “Heroes for Military Kids” 5K and Kids Dash. This community event is a heartfelt tribute to the strength and sacrifices of the children within our military families and will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Avenue Viera.
Whether you are a competitive runner, a casual walker, or a family looking for a meaningful morning out, this event offers something for everyone while supporting a great cause.
Event Details
Mark your calendars for a morning of fitness, fun, and community support:
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: The Avenue Viera (2261 Towne Center Ave, Viera, FL)
Admission: All activities are FREE!
More Than Just a Race
The “Heroes for Military Kids” event is designed to be a full-scale community festival. Beyond the 5K course, attendees can explore a wide variety of interactive and educational stations, including:
Hands-on Learning: STEAM activities and a Military History Trunk.
Hero Demonstrations: Meet K-9 teams, see BCSO vehicles, and watch a Red Cross life-saving demonstration.
Special Guests: Representatives from the Air & Space Force and a featured Mental Health Speaker.
Family Fun: Motorcycles on display and activities specifically tailored for children of all ages.
Why It Matters
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child to recognize the unique challenges military children face, from frequent moves to parental deployments. The AVET Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, uses this event to provide a “Thank You” to these young heroes, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation within the local community.
Ready to participate? You can find more information or register by scanning the QR codes on the official event flyer or by visiting www.avet-project.org.
In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the AVET Project is hosting its annual “Heroes for Military Kids” 5K and Kids Dash. This community event is a heartfelt tribute to the strength and sacrifices of the children within our military families and will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Avenue Viera.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.
Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
