Operation Angel Wing holds ‘prayer walk’
Participants in Saturday’s prayer walk for Operation Angel Wing make their way across Norris Dam on Saturday morning (Aug. 2) enroute to the Museum of Appalachia for the group’s annual fundraiser. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
The day began with a five-mile “prayer walk” from the upper Norris Dam overlook to the Museum of Appalachia, beginning at 9 a.m.
That was followed by the main event, beginning at noon at the museum. It included speakers, live music by the Knoxville School of Rock band, and associated activities, such as a bake-sale auction, vendors, and giveaways of six electric guitars.
The guitars were donated by the Gary Sinise Foundation for the Operation Angel Wing Youth Coalition.
Among those on hand to lead the event for the Statesville, North Caolina-based Operation Angel Wing was co-founder Zeke Vanderpool of Andersonville, an Army veteran, who was master of ceremonies.
Also participating as co-host of the event was the Carry the Load organization from Dallas, Texas.
About 20 people were bused from the museum to the upper dam overlook for the prayer walk, and the group was accompanied by three area constables in their patrol cars, keeping the walkers safe as they trekked through traffic along Norris Freeway (U.S. 441) enroute back to the museum.
Keynote speaker for the event at the Museum of Appalachia was Kaitlin Bonner from Carry the Load.
According to its website (operationangelwing.org), “Operation Angel Wing is a nonprofit organization that targets the individual needs of American veterans, active military, the public safety service community, and their families suffering from the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress.
“OPAW is dedicated to aiding and assisting our protectors, their families, and the communities they serve, one victory at time.”
Also on hand was Operation Angel Wing creator and co-founder Mary Millsaps of Stateville.
