Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
🇺🇸 WALKING WITH FALLEN HEROES 🇺🇸
Today We Walked With Army Veteran Joe White
Age 88 | Crossville, Tennessee
Died: January 3, 2022
Korean War Veteran
Today, we had the honor of walking in memory of a very special man, Army Veteran Joe White of Crossville, Tennessee.
Joe was much more than a veteran. For many years, he was an active member of the Cumberland County Honor Guard and other veterans organizations. He dedicated so much of his time to honoring those who had served our country and making sure our veterans received the respect they deserved.
Joe was recognized by the National Society and the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter for leading an Honor Guard that had conducted more than 1,000 military funerals, along with his countless volunteer contributions to veterans and veterans’ facilities throughout the area.
He spent years honoring others. Today, it was our turn to honor him.
MY PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH JOE
I first met Joe back in early November of 2019. I was out walking for a Veteran friend of mine who had passed away, and as I was walking into the cemetery, there was Joe playing TAPS.
I was fortunate enough to get a photograph with him that day, and I will always be thankful I did.
Over the next several years, I would occasionally run into Joe while I was out walking with one of our Fallen Heroes. Whenever he saw me, he would stop and ask who I was walking for. He always wanted to know which veteran we were honoring.
That always meant something to me.
Here was a man who had spent so many years honoring our veterans, and even after all those years of service, he was still taking the time to stop and recognize what I was doing.
Joe was a very special man, and I’m grateful our paths crossed.
TODAY’S TRIBUTE WALK
Today, we walked 7.23 miles and received 241 honks from people passing by who helped us honor this American Hero.
We headed toward town and made a stop at Veterans Memorial Park. While there, we spent some time reading the names of our Fallen Brothers displayed on the memorial wall. Each name represents a life, a family, and a sacrifice that should never be forgotten.
From there, we made our way to Crossville City Cemetery, where we met up with some wonderful folks from The Sunshine House.
They came out to help us honor some of our veterans, and it was a pleasure meeting them. I truly appreciate them taking the time to join us and be part of today’s tribute.
And then came a moment that made today’s walk even more special.
WE PLAYED TAPS FOR JOE.
For years, Joe had stood alongside countless families and played TAPS for our Fallen Heroes. He helped give those who served our country a final farewell filled with dignity, honor, and respect.
Today, we played TAPS for him.
A small way of saying thank you to a man who had given so much of himself to honor others.
Afterward, we continued our walk and eventually made our way back home.
THANK YOU!
I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted as we made our way through town. Every honk and every gesture of support helps us keep these heroes’ memories alive.
A special thank-you to the folks from The Sunshine House for coming out and helping me honor Joe today. It was wonderful meeting you, and I appreciate you being part of this special tribute.
I also want to thank Fallen Hero CPL Wyatt Hatcher for helping us honor Joe today.
And to Joe White, thank you for your service to our country and for all those years you spent honoring our veterans. You touched so many lives through your dedication, kindness, and commitment to making sure our heroes were never forgotten.
I was fortunate enough to have met you, shared a photograph with you, and witnessed firsthand the respect you showed our veterans.
Today, we walked for you.
Today, we remembered you.
And today, TAPS was played in your honor, just as you had played it so many times for others.
Army Veteran Joe White, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
🇺🇸 Honor. Respect. Remember. 🇺🇸
Every step has a purpose. Every mile has a name. And every Hero has a story.
One Hero. One Step. One Mile at a Time.
— Tim French
Founder, iwalk4them
www.iwalk4them.com
