Nothing can take away the hurt felt by the family of Corry A. Edwards, a Kennedale father and husband who died in Iraq last year.

A heartfelt show of support at Saturday's American Heroes Memorial Day 10K, 5K and 1K at the Ballpark in Arlington will remind his family that he made a difference in the lives of others. Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers are expected for the annual run and recognition of fallen service members.

"It's obviously fitting that it's Memorial Day weekend," Nan said. "It's sad to think that they have to have something like this. But it's awesome that there are people out there racing for no reason other than to show support for the people who have fought for their country."

The Edwards family's grief is compounded because Edwards' battalion is coming home from Iraq this weekend.

"Corry's Crew" grew from a simple request by a few family friends who wanted to run in memory of Edwards, one of seven National Guardsmen, including four Texans, who died Sept. 18, 2008, when their helicopter crashed in Iraq.

The team snowballed with extended family and friends joining. Maj. Allen J. Richards of Flower Mound, who served with Edwards for years, plans to attend with his 16-year-old daughter.

"We're not walking just for Corry and everyone I served with," Richards said. "We're walking for every mom, dad, sister and brother who has given their life for this country. We honor them so their families know the sacrifice was not in vain."

Approximately 40 of the 150 Corry's Crew team members plan to run or walk the 10K or 5K. Others will be on hand for the pre- and postrace festivities.

Race director Mary Berger said that will include Apache helicopters, Army cannon blasts, a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the U.S. Air Force.

"This will be one of the most spectacular starts to a race," Berger said.

The event benefits the Snowball Express and the Fort Worth Air Power Foundation, charitable organizations assisting troops at the Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth.

Through Snowball Express, Edwards' wife and their sons, Killian Hunter and Logan Samuel, received an expenses-paid trip to Disney World over winter break. They met other kids who also had lost a parent in the service. They had a chance to enjoy themselves, be distracted from their loss and understand they weren't alone.

"It's truly humbling," Nan said. "So many people have stepped forward and done so much for me and my boys. There's no way for me to show how thankful I am."