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A local veteran has been recognized for suffering an injury during his service.

During a ceremony Monday morning, U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician 1st Class Andrew Wilcox was awarded a Purple Heart by U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) in recognition of the wounds he received in action on Aug. 2, 2019 during Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award given out, having been established by then-General George Washington in 1782.

Wilcox noted that he retired from active duty two weeks ago and still can’t talk about the specifics of what led to his injury.

“Not many people really know about this and, unfortunately, I can’t really talk about this,” he said.

Still, he was happy to see friends and family turn out for the ceremony.

“Thank you guys for coming,” he said.

He also thanked Fleischmann and Military and Veteran Affairs Liaison Jules Doux for their efforts in ensuring he received the Purple Heart.

“Thank you for helping to get this buttoned up,” Wilcox told them. “Jules and the congressman, they were a big push to get this check in the box before I was done and forgotten in the abyss of the government award system.”

Fleischmann said he was happy to have a chance to honor a local veteran.

“Any time we can honor a veteran, it is a special time,” Fleischmann said. “A Purple Heart is an especially meaningful medal because it signifies a man or woman who has put on the uniform to defend our country has suffered a wound in that endeavor.”

He also noted the debt of gratitude the country has for Wilcox and other veterans like him.

“Our republic is forever grateful to you, sir, and to your brothers and sisters who have served us so well in all of our branches,” he said. “It is because of what you do and what you have done that allows us to live in the freest, greatest republic the world has ever seen. Thank you for your professional service. It is a real honor and privilege to present you with this Purple Heart on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Etowah Veterans Parade to honor founder of event

SHANE DUNCAN

The Etowah Veterans Day Parade is currently scheduled to take place on Nov. 4.

According to McMinn County Veteran Services Officer Susan Peglow, the Etowah Veterans Day Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 with a service and food being supplied at the L& N Depot immediately after. “McMinn County Mayor John Gentry will be our guest speaker for the meal that will be served after the parade,” Peglow noted. “Our grand marshal this year will be Annette Willson, who is the widow of the man who started the parade, Danny Willson.”

Danny Willson passed away earlier this year.

“Danny always had a heart for veterans,” Peglow expressed. “He came to me several years ago with a plan for a program that veterans in need or their widows could obtain food items that weren’t necessarily in a food basket, so he and his wife set up a food voucher.”

Peglow stated that Willson would do his

best to find various ways to support veterans in need.

“He never missed a chance to come to my office and discuss ways to help a veteran,” she stated. “This is a good way to honor the memory of Danny.”

The Veterans Day Parade has been hosted in Etowah for the past several years.

“They have always been kind and gracious to the parade committee,” she noted.

“We would love to have everybody come out and join us for this parade. It is a great way to honor veterans.”

Peglow noted the importance of communities honoring their veterans.

“To me it is important to honor the veterans and the sacrifices that they have made,” Peglow noted. “Taking 30 minutes out of your day to honor these veterans isn’t much compared to the time they have sacrificed in service to our country. Plus the Boy Scouts will be providing food at the depot to those who would like to participate following the parade.”

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