The Valley is gearing up for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, but it's not just the runners getting attention on the course — volunteers are also paying tribute to veterans.
One of the fallen heroes being recognized is Capt. Cory Jenkins.
"I love to talk about him because he’s awesome," said Jeanne Jenkins while talking about Cory, one of her four children.
"He was in the military," said Jeanne. "He was a physician's assistant."
His mom said her son loved to serve and Capt. Jenkins did just that for two years until 2009. At just 30 years old, Cory was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.
"He's still my hero," said Jeanne.
It has been 14 years since then and Jeanne is doing what she loves — honoring her son. She will meet up with an organization called Wear Blue: Run to Remember.
"Lisa Hallett who started this whole organization her husband was with our son, and they were in the same stryker and they were killed the same day," said Jeanne.
"At that time with the surge to Afghanistan, the military was experiencing devastating loss," said the organization's Director of Development, Melynda Weaver.
The non-profit started with a group running to deal with grief, but it’s become a nationwide community that serves as a support network for military families going through the difficulty of deployment or loss.
"We're excited to see this ground swell of volunteers come out and are going to help us stand up this living tribute," said Weaver.
On Sunday, volunteers and family members will line about a mile of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon near 64th Street and Thomas Road. Posters will be set up and people like Jeanne will hold full-size American flags.
"I feel like it's an honor to hold my son's flag, and it's an honor to watch people come by and be touched," said Jeanne.
It’s something Jeanne has done before in Arizona and even other states. Some of her kids and family are even running some of the races.
"People have said this is the best part of the whole run," said Jeanne.
The group is still looking for volunteers to help this weekend and thank those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
"Before our service members died they lived, and we have a responsibility to honor that sacrifice," said Weaver.
For those interested in volunteering, you can register online.