VILLAS – Two days after being recognized with the Legion of Honor Humanitarian of the Year award given to him by the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation for his lifetime of service to the military community, a humble Johnnie Walker Sr. said, “I’m still walking on air.”
A Vietnam War-era veteran, Walker started the Citizens and Veterans Advisory Committee 11 years ago to help Cape May County veterans affected by homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. The organization also helps with rides to medical appointments, building accessibility ramps, food and cleaning.
Walker recently retired as chief operating officer and adjutant of the state’s Disabled American Veterans Department and publishes “Veterans Corner,” a quarterly magazine that provides veterans with information and resources. He lives in Villas.
His efforts were recognized at the annual Four Chaplains banquet Feb. 4, which is a major fundraiser for the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation and supports its mission of preserving the Four Chaplains story. That story tells of the four Army chaplains who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and sacrifice on Feb. 3, 1943, during the sinking of the SS Dorchester, a troop ship carrying military personnel and civilians.
Amid the chaos and panic, the four chaplains exemplified the true essence of heroism and unity. They quickly moved to calm the frightened passengers and distributed life jackets, offering words of comfort and prayer and saving the lives of 230 passengers. All four perished with the sinking of the ship, however.
In honor of their heroism, the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation hosts an annual banquet to tell their story and promote acts of service and interfaith cooperation in individuals and organizations. It is the 82nd year of the Four Chaplains story and the 250th year of the Army Chaplain Corps.
“It was very overwhelming to be recognized for my efforts among 250 of my peers,” Walker said. “I’d love to see a [Citizens and Veterans Advisory Committee] in every county in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. I’m very honored to have received this award.”
Contact the reporter, Karen Knight, at kknight@cmcherald.com.
