Join Ocean City's Walk for the Wounded on Saturday

It's not too late to participate in the annual Walk for the Wounded — a three-mile walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk to raise money for wounded veterans.

WHAT: The fifth annual Walk for the Wounded, a three-mile walk aimed at drawing attention to the plight of returning soldiers and their families while raising funds to help meet the critical needs of these families.

WHERE:  Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk, Ocean City

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28

• 8:30 a.m.: Registration begins; Tidal Wave band performs; all adults raising $10 or more receive a Walk T-shirt (while supplies last).
• 9:30 a.m.: Emcee Chris Ford makes opening remarks.
• 9:40 a.m.: Ocean City American Legion presents colors; Benediction and Pledge of Allegiance.
• 9:45 a.m.: Michelle Dawn Mooney of WMGM TV40 performs the National Anthem.
• 9:50 a.m.: Steve Costantino and Wyatt Clevenger, members of the Ocean City Fire Department, speak and make a check presentation to Operation First Response.
• 9:55 a.m.: Peggy Baker, Founder of Operation First Response, speaks
• 10 a.m.: Krista Nielson and Nellie Bagley
• 10:15 a.m.: Tidal Wave band plays; Ocean City American Legion retires colors; the three-mile walk begins as the Atlantic City Bagpipe Band leads walkers down the Boardwalk from the Music Pier to 14th Street.
• 1 p.m.: All children who raise $10 or more receive a wristband for rides at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHO: Operation First Response, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to wounded soldiers and their families.      

Sergeant Jason Nielson, United States Army, and his wife, Krista (Sgt. Nielson was injured when he was shot in the side by an insurgent sniper while providing security to clear an IED).

Jose Pequeno, United States Marine Corps and Staff Sergeant, New Hampshire National Guard, and his mother, Nellie Bagley (Staff Sgt. Pequeno suffered a traumatic brain injury when he and two fellow soldiers were ambushed with a grenade thrown into their Humvee).

Wyatt Clevenger, Sgt., United States Marine Corps (Sergeant Clevenger was honored with a Combat Action Ribbon for his service in Iraq, as well as a U.S. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal,  Presidential Unit Citation, and Certificate of Commendation.  He is now an Ocean City Firefighter and EMT).

Medal of Honor Sponsor Ocean City Home Bank, the Ocean City Fire Department and numerous other supporters, advertisers, and walkers.

INFO: Call 1-800-771-7990, ext. 1106, or visit www.ochome.com