Petersburg Super Plunger Reaches Goal While Deployed for Air Force
The Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge returns to Petersburg, Ind., on Saturday about 150 plungers will run into Prides Creek Park Lake to “Be Bold and Get Cold” during the annual fundraiser.
Participants raise money throughout the lead-up to benefit Special Olympics Indiana and the 19,000 athletes it serves.
Jess Wagner has been a regular part of past Petersburg events, and this year she reached Super Plunger status. Super Plungers raise $4,000 or more and for their efforts receive a custom-made baseball jersey that proudly displays their support.
The Evansville resident can’t be on-site this year, however, and won’t be able to take part with her Plunging Parole Agents teammates. She is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force National Guard 181st Intelligence Wing out of Hulman Field, Ind., and currently deployed.
“There’s nothing more fulfilling than being part of a movement that inspires change and brings awareness,” Wagner said. “I want to pave the way for give others a voice and to be heard. We are stronger together.”
According to fellow Evansville Parole District Office employee and Plunging Parole Agents team captain Michelle Dellion, Wagner remains as involved as she can and sends her support to everyone taking part in Petersburg and across Indiana.
“The Polar Plunge is very important to Jess,” Dellion said. “She was able to be here for the first time in 2023 and killed it with her fund raising. She really wanted to be a Super Plunger this year, even when she knew she would be away.”
“There have been times in my life when I was so proud to be strong and do something brave,” Wagner said. “I strive and hope to have the courage, resilience and fortitude of a Special Olympics athlete. Their bravery and heart motivate me to be a better person.”
Wagner, Dellion and the Plunging Parole Agents first became part of the Polar Plunge in 2018 when challenged by the Vincennes Police Department.
The group is “all in,” Dellion said, as the cause hits home for them. One of their fellow officers has a Special Olympics athlete in the family.
The team dresses in costume and enjoys hanging out with the athletes on hand. Last year, they led the torch walk, which was special for Wagner in the only year she so far has been able to attend.
“Jess is very proud of all the athletes, because they work hard and persevere just like every other athlete in their sport,” Dellion said. “Hard work, dedication and training make winners, and they are all of that.
“We are simply dressing up and jumping into cold water. It’s no comparison to what these athletes are doing every day. We are very proud to support these athletes.”
Wagner sent her thanks to everyone who supports her and donated.
“I want to personally thank all the military veterans, current members of the armed services, friends and family members of the 181st Intelligence Wing who donated to this wonderful cause.”
Learn more about the Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge by visiting PolarPlungeIN.org.
To donate, pick a site and click “Register Now,” then pick a team or individual to support. Polar Plunge donations remain open even after a Plunge takes place.
