‘Operation Angel Wing’ fundraiser is Saturday
Walkers for Operation Angel Wing, a charity supporting veterans and first-responders, cross Norris Dam during the group’s fund-raising five-mile walk in August 2025, accompanied by area constables in their cruisers. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
The day will feature a began with a five-mile “prayer walk” from the upper Norris Dam overlook to the Lions Club Pavilion in Norris.
Those participating in the walk are asked to register at the pavilion, on Norris Square, from 7-9 a.m.
At 9 a.m., a bus will carry the walkers to the dam overlook to begin their trek, which will end at the pavilion and be followed there at noon by a program of speakers, live music, and associated activities, such as a bake-sale auction, vendors, and giveaways.
Among those on hand to lead the event for the Statesville, North Carolina-based Operation Angel Wing, is expected to be co-founder Zeke Vanderpool of Andersonville, an Army veteran, who was master of ceremonies at last year’s similar event at the Museum of Appalachia.
Also participating as co-host of the event will be the Carry the Load organization from Dallas, Texas.
Last year, 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.
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 expected to be on hand will be Operation Angel Wing creator and co-founder Mary Millsaps of Stateville.
The event coordinators suggest that people attending the program at the pavilion bring lawn chairs.
