Betsy O’Dowd

Betsy O’Dowd

When a tornado struck her community last month, Betsy O’Dowd of Clarksville, Tenn. knew she wanted to do something to help. She saw on the Montgomery County and City of Clarksville websites that Operation BBQ Relief was in the area serving people impacted by the...
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It’s not every day we get to thank both our human and equine police officers! On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9, 2024, Operation BBQ Relief Volunteers Andy Feest, Joe Clark, and their team provided 50 meals to mounted police officers attending training with...
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana

On January 7, 2024, we continued our commitment to serving our heroes in uniform and their families year-round through The Always Serving Project, when Operation BBQ Relief Volunteer Chris Wilson and his team provided 300 meals to members of the Indiana Army National...
Laurie Polak

Laurie Polak

Since before Operation BBQ Relief even officially existed, Laurie Polak has been an important part of our family. Laurie and her husband, Brian, were both involved with the Kansas City Barbeque Society when a large EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Mo. in 2011. Our...
Camp OBR 2023 Highlights

Camp OBR 2023 Highlights

2023 was a big year for Camp OBR, our 190-acre retreat on The Lake of the Ozarks where our Military, Veterans, Families of the Fallen, and First Responders reconnect, find solace, and build lasting memories with their families and peers. We hosted our first retreat in...