George Hutchings Book Signing

George P. Hutchings, a well-known St. Louis humanitarian, veteran and author, will be at Saturday afternoon signing copies of his new book, Combat Survival: Life Stories From a Purple Heart.

Hutchings, 62, is from Ballwin and best known as the founder of Shoeman Water Projects. He got his nickname "Shoeman" by collecting shoes for people who couldn't afford them, and later traveled to Kenya, Haiti and other places in need to drill fresh water wells. He also founded the nonprofit organization Eagle Wings Ministries and mentored inner-city youth as a police department chaplain.

The book, Combat Survival: Life Stories From a Purple Heart, is an autobiographical account of Hutchings's time spent as a US Marine in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart after being shot and battling for survival. The book will be available at the store during the signing for $12.95.