When Scott Jarrett retired from UPS in 2016 after 38 years, he knew exactly what he wanted to do next—give back.
“I didn’t have the time to do it when I was working, and Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) was a great opportunity,” Scott said.
Scott first learned about OBR while competing in barbecue competitions in 2015. Within a year, he was on his first deployment to Hammond, La., following a devastating flood.
“It was the hottest deployment I have ever been to,” Scott recalled. “After meeting and working with some awesome volunteers from all over the country, I knew that it would not be my last deployment.”
That experience set the stage for nearly a decade of service. Now, nine years later, Scott has logged an incredible 878 volunteer hours in 2024 alone—earning him the President’s Volunteer Service Award. He was also honored with the 2024 Operation BBQ Relief Leadership Award, a recognition of his dedication, commitment, and the example he sets for others.
Scott has been a part of countless OBR missions, but his favorite memory is close to home. In October 2024, after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, Scott deployed to Hendersonville.
“I was fortunate to be able to volunteer with so many awesome volunteers from all over the country that came to help serve ‘The One Hot Meal That Matters’ to my fellow North Carolinians,” he said.
For him, the experience wasn’t just about food—it was about comfort, compassion, and community in the aftermath of disaster. Through the years, Scott has seen OBR grow and impact thousands of lives, but what stands out to him most are the people.
“During my nine years volunteering with OBR, I have met a lot of people from around the country that I consider family,” he said. “It is truly a blessing to be part of this great organization.”
Scott is quick to encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a try, even if they’ve never been around a smoker.
“If you are thinking about volunteering and maybe you think, ‘I really don’t know much about BBQ,’ we need you! You don’t have to know how to BBQ—we will teach you!”
His story is a reminder that service isn’t about perfection or expertise; it’s about showing up, lending a hand, and giving your heart. From his first sweltering deployment in Louisiana to serving neighbors in his own state, Scott’s journey with OBR reflects the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
To join Scott and the OBR family, visit our website at https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunteer-obr or download the “OBR Volunteers” smartphone app.
