The two-week countdown kicked off in Black Rock Sunday for one of the biggest veteran events on the Bridgeport calendar.

The Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans will hold its second annual Tunnels-to-Towers 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct 18.

Organizers said 95% of the money raised goes to help catastrophically injured first responders and military personnel, along with Gold Star families, and to wipe out homelessness among veterans.

"In my opinion, veterans should never be homeless. In the United States of America, we're the richest country in the world, and if our veterans are on the street, what does that say about the rest of us?" said Brian Turco, of Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans.

"Tunnels to Towers means so much here and nationwide to veterans, and I'm so glad we're able to participate here through Port 5, here in the City of Bridgeport," said Mayor Joe Ganim.

The event kicks off at Port 5 at 8:30 a.m.