Prayer walk raises support for veterans
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Some of those participating in Saturday morning’s Operation Angel Wing Prayer Walk for veterans cross Norris Dam on their five-mile hike to the Lions Club Pavilion in downtown Norris. In front, left, is Angel Wing founder Mary Milsaps. - G. Chambers Williams III
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Operation Angel Wing keynote speaker Keith Lay of Oak Ridge addresses those gathered for the veterans’ assistance nonprofit’s Saturday rally at the Norris Lions Club Pavilion. Lay is holding a photo of his son, Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Lay, who lost his battle with mental health challenges during his transition from military service. - G. Chambers Williams III
A hearty group of participants braved the August morning heat on Saturday to take part in a five-mile “prayer walk” from above Norris Dam to downtown Norris to help raise money for “Operation Angel Wing,” a regional nonprofit dedicated to providing healing services related to post-traumatic stress for veterans and first-responders.
The group began the hike at the overlook above the dam off Norris Freeway (U.S. 441) shortly after 9 a.m., and arrived at the Norris Lions Club Pavilion on Norris Square around 11:30 a.m.
There, they and others gathered for a program of speakers, entertainment, food and a charity auction led by Clinton auctioneer Bear Stephenson.
Leading the event was Operation Angel Wing creator and co-founder Mary Millsaps of Statesville, North Carolina.
Keynote speaker was veterans’ advocate Keith Lay of Oak Ridge, whose only son, Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Lay, lost his battle with mental health challenges during his transition from military service, Lay told the crowd.
In Brandon’s memory, Lay has devoted himself to advocating for veterans and their families, carrying forward his son’s legacy through service and outreach.
Among others on hand for the event for the Statesville-based Operation Angel Wing, was co-founder Zeke Vanderpool of Andersonville, an Army veteran, who provided musical entertainment at the pavilion.
Co-host of the event was the Carry the Load organization from Dallas, Texas.
About 20 people were bused from the pavilion to the upper dam overlook for the prayer walk, and the group was accompanied by two local constables in their patrol cars, keeping the walkers safe as they trekked through traffic along Norris Freeway enroute back to the pavilion.
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.
“[Operation Angel Wing] is dedicated to aiding and assisting our protectors, their families, and the communities they serve, one victory at time.”
