St. Bernard included in 200-mile run by Brad McKee of the Disposable Heroes Project to raise money to help U.S. military veterans; One sheriff’s deputy and a St. Bernard native took part

Brad McKee, in front, barechested and with a beard, runs on East St. Bernard Highway on June 12 as part of a 200-mile run to Hammond to raise money for U.S. military veterans. Running, at right in front is Stephen Clark, a St. Bernard native who works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Running in the back row, at left, is Dep. Mike Plaiscia of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.

Brad McKee of the Disposable Heroes Project, lying in a vehicle in St. Bernard Parish receiving IV fluids to combat heat and dehydration during a break in his 200-mile run to Hammond to raise money to help U.S. military veterans.

Stephen Clark, left and Dep. Mike Plaiscia on East St. Bernard Highway during a break in the run.

Brad McKee was flat on his back in a parked vehicle receiving IV fluids in one lane of East St. Bernard Highway in St. Bernard Parish on Thursday, June 12 – tired and hot from running in the sun all day.

But he was still in good spirits as he spoke about his 200-mile run from Plaquemines Parish, through St. Bernard and New Orleans and on to a finish in Hammond to raise money to help U.S. military veterans.

“I don’t know how I will feel but I’m going to finish it one way or another,’’ Mckee said during a break in his trek which began earlier that day in Pointe a la Hache on the lower East Bank of Plaquemines Parish.

The 200-mile mile run through Louisiana was in honor of the locals who have given their lives to protect America’s freedom, Mckee said.

McKee, who operates a cross-fitness center in Hammond, is a former Marine sniper who served two tours of duty in Iraq.

In 2009, McKee and two childhood friends started the Disposable Heroes Project to help military veterans.

The group has dedicated itself to raising money and awareness to assist wounded veterans and families of fallen troops in any way possible.

He has run great distances in the past as a means of raising money from those who make pledges and run parts of such events with him.

“There are many veterans who still need help,’’ Mckee said. “We aren’t going to forget about them.’’ “Our aim is to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten and show that our troops are more than just a number.’’

The run began early Thursday, June 12, at Pointe a la Hache on the lower East Bank of Plaquemines Parish, passed through St. Bernard Parish on St. Bernard Highway and on to New Orleans before going on to finish in Hammond.

The 200 miles are divided into sections, each dedicated to a fallen troop from Louisiana. McKee said he would try to run the entire distance.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Dep. Mike Plaiscia of Meraux and St. Bernard native Stephen Clark of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who lives in Hammond and is a brother of Maj. Chad Clark of the Sheriff’s Office, took part in the run with McKee and others, joining near Violet in eastern St. Bernard.

The Sheriff’s Office and State Police escorted the procession through St. Bernard.

Plaiscia and Clark, who were both activated for service in Iraq as members of the Louisiana National Guard, said they wanted to show support for what McKee’s group is doing for veterans.

“I became friends with him (McKee) about a year ago,’’ Clark said, and “I’m running because I want to help.’’ Clark encourages people to go to the website called thedisposableheroes.com and read the testimonials from veterans who have been helped and then donate whatever is possible for you.

Plaiscia said he ran because as a veteran he also wanted to do something to show support for what Mckee is doing.

Plaiscia said Friday he ran about 30 miles with McKee, making it into New Orleans and stopping in the Warehouse District about 5 a.m. Friday, while he said Clark went further, running to Uptown New Orleans.

“I have so much respect for him (McKee)’’ after seeing the effort he gives, Plaiscia said. “He has a drive’’ which helps push others to keep going.