The Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance received the FOCIS award at the annual gathering of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on September 20. The award recognizes OREPA’s commitment to stopping nuclear weapons production in Oak Ridge. “OREPA is meeting the needs of the Appalachian people by providing a crucial positive witness and needed education,” wrote Ann Marie Quinn, shown here presenting the award to OREPA Coordinator Ralph Hutchison and Board member Jim Orr. “This is so different from the corporate legacy and ongoing destructive activities done to this land and her people.”
In receiving the award, OREPA coordinator Hutchison noted the “deep wellspring of commitment to peace and justice in the room,” and expressed appreciation for being recognized by colleagues.
