Salvation Army to provide food for officials during execution week
By Zach Taylor
Tribune-Star
Police and other officials working during the days leading up to Timothy McVeigh's execution will receive help from one of the nation's best-known charitable organizations.
Major Jerold Forney of the Salvation Army in Terre Haute said his agency will provide food and refreshments for FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, state troopers, emergency management workers, fire department personnel and police.
"We're just doing our normal disaster mode," Forney said.
McVeigh is slated to be executed 7 a.m. May 16 in the U.S. Penitentiary for killing 168 people in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Forney said officials can expect doughnuts, coffee and milk for breakfast. For others meals, foods will include sandwiches, pizza and chicken.
"We're actually going to cook in our building here and take it out there and keep it warm," on site, Forney said.
The food will be kept warm in the Salvation Army's emergency canteens - vehicles equipped with household appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, sinks, refrigerators and stoves. Forney said the Terre Haute Salvation Army will be using its canteen and the Evansville and Indianapolis chapters will bring their canteens in to help.
He added that about 30 volunteers plan to help in the food distribution. Crews will work six-hour shifts, 24 hours a day. Canteens will remain in radio contact with the Salvation Army building to ensure workers don't run out of food or drink.
Forney said the Salvation Army will start serving at noon Monday and continue until 2 p.m. Wednesday.
"But we'll probably play it by ear that day," he said.
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