Digging Deep for Niecy: Gold Star Husband Honors His Late Wife
Ken Walker is stepping onto the path of healing and self-discovery through the wear blue Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program, honoring the life of his beloved wife, SPC Zandra Walker, who was killed in action on 15 August 2007, at age 28. Life knocked Ken down for nearly a decade after her passing, leaving him lost and unsure of how to reconnect with love and purpose. “I thought I had it all figured out until tragedy hit home,” Ken reflects. “Participating in this program will help me dig deep and get back to doing hard things. I’m on the journey to recovering myself and discovering love in all its beauty even in loss.” Every mile Ken runs is dedicated to SPC Zandra Walker, a woman whose love for duty, family, and laughter left a permanent mark on his life.
SPC Zandra Walker was a loving, fiercely committed woman who had returned to serve her country on a second enlistment, driven by her love for duty. A track star in high school and college, a devoted family member, and a loyal friend to her fellow soldiers, she left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Her passing left a wound that separated Ken from love itself, but through running, he is rediscovering strength, resilience, and purpose.
Ken’s journey is about more than just finishing a race. It is about reclaiming life, one purposeful mile at a time. Cowtown Half Marathon weekend will be his first step back into the endurance world, surrounded by a community that understands both grief and the healing power of movement. For Ken, it is not about speed or distance. It is about showing up, honoring SPC Zandra Walker’s legacy, and proving to himself that he can do hard things.
The Cowtown Half Marathon cohort is now in the final stretch, tapering their miles, fueling their bodies, and preparing to cross the finish line together. Each athlete brings their own story of loss, resilience, and purpose, yet they run as one community, supporting and encouraging each other every step of the way. For Ken, joining this cohort means not only honoring SPC Zandra Walker, but also sharing in the collective strength and determination of fellow Gold Star and Survivor athletes. As race day approaches, the cohort’s energy, camaraderie, and commitment to remembrance will carry each runner across the finish line and into a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
