Melvin McCoy is partnering with Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc., headquartered out of Memphis, Tennessee to raise awareness about the plight of homeless and distressed veterans by undertaking a 600 mile hike from Knoxville, Tennessee to Washington D.C. Melvin said, “The freedoms we take for granted are not universal. Veterans have done their part to protect us, we need to support them now that their service is over.” Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee that assists military veterans to reintegrate into society. Since 1987, we have served nearly 10,000 veterans. Most have become productive members of society after overcoming the devastating aftermath of their service.

1. PRESS ALERT: CONTACT: Mark Havener
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Asst Dir – Communications
Alpha Omegahttp://www.alphaomegaveterans.org/
Veterans Services, Inc.
havener@alphaomegaveterans.org
The Veterans Awareness Walk
Melvin McCoy is partnering with Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc., headquartered out of
Memphis, Tennessee to raise awareness about the plight of homeless and distressed veterans by
undertaking a 600 mile hike from Knoxville, Tennessee to Washington D.C. Melvin said, “The
freedoms we take for granted are not universal. Veterans have done their part to protect us, we
need to support them now that their service is over.”
Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization
headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee that assists military veterans to reintegrate into society.
Since 1987, we have served nearly 10,000 veterans. Most have become productive members of
society after overcoming the devastating aftermath of their service.
WHO: Melvin McCoy, an experienced long-distance hiker, will undertake this trek with
Maxwell, his canine companion.
WHAT: A 600 mile hike with limited external support along secondary roads and hiking trails
from Knoxville, TN to Washington, D.C. Melvin’s path will take him through Bristol,
TN, Danville, VA and Richmond, VA before reaching Washington, D.C. using the MULE
(Multi-purpose Uniaxial Litter Enginery). The MULE is a system that allows a person to
carry double the load, farther and easier than they could by using a conventional
backpack.
WHY: To raise awareness of and support for all distressed veterans.
HOW: Melvin will provide comments, pictures and location updates during his journey via
Alpha Omega Veterans Services social media outlets (www.alphaomegaveterans.org,
Facebook and Twitter).
WHEN: Starting on July 3rd
, 2015 at 10:00 am at the World War I Monument (101 E. Fifth
Avenue 37917) in Knoxville, Tennessee, Melvin will be walking along scenic routes
through Bristol, TN, Danville, VA, Richmond, VA and into Washington, D.C. completing
his journey at the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial (150 Washington
Ave., SW 20024) about August 15th
, 2015.