U.S. VETS-Hawaii will hold its fourth annual Patriot Run/Walk Saturday morning at Iroquois Point Island Club in 'Ewa Beach.

The theme of the 5-kilometer event is "No Veteran Left Behind," and participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue, and bring flags. Proceeds will go to U.S. VETS-Hawaii, the only state facility focused on homeless veterans.

The 8 a.m. walk/run will be timed, with awards given for all age groups. The entry fee is $25.

U.S. VETS-Hawaii offers housing and full-services to homeless veterans. The program opened in August 2002 on the decommissioned Barbers Point Naval Base. U.S. VETS also has 11 other locations and is the nation's leader in providing service and assistance to homeless veterans.

Among those taking part in the event is Matt Anderson, an Iraq veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and received assistance from U.S. VETS. "I was proud and honored to serve my country," said Anderson, a Wai'anae resident, in a news release issued by U.S. VETS.

"Soldiers are trained to handle anything, so we don't like to ask for help. When I returned from Iraq and had a difficult time forgetting the death that I saw, I just checked out and went to live on the beach. Had it not been for the U.S. VETS, I may still be there."

For Patriot Run/Walk registration and further information, go to www.pacificsports.com or call 682-6051.