Over the past year, USO-Hawai'i has provided refreshments and a touch of aloha for more than 16,000 troops deploying to or from service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations.

USO transit assistance programs at Honolulu International Airport and Hickam Air Force Base helped more than 50,000 service people and their families.

A 5K/10K race fundraiser on Sunday at Wheeler Army Airfield will help the nonprofit, nongovernmental organization continue its mission, and organizers are hoping for a large turnout.

"USO-Hawai'i invites the civilian community to put on their running shoes and clothes and run with our service men and women," said Herman "Butch" Finley, USO-Hawai'i's president. "It'll be a healthy way to start your day, and I can guarantee you that your presence and support will add a special dimension to the race for our participating service personnel and families."

Individuals can enter either the 10K or 5K race. Both events begin at 7 a.m. The registration fee is $20, and $10 for children under 14. Entry forms are available in running stores, and at www.uso.org/hawaii and www.active.com.

Race-day entries for the run/walk will be accepted for participants who show up at the Wheeler main gate an hour ahead of the event.

The United Service Organization was created in response to a 1941 request by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

USO-Hawai'i was chartered as a nonprofit organization in 1972. The USO is the only agency that provides facilities and services specifically for the military and their families traveling on official orders.

For more information on the run/walk, call 836-3351.