When passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen. For Bruce Josey, Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) offered the perfect intersection of two things close to his heart: a deep love for barbecue and a dedication to helping neighbors in need. Today, Bruce serves as OBR’s Region One Director, having poured his heart, soul, and over 500 volunteer hours into serving communities with OBR.
Bruce first discovered OBR in late 2011 through fellow pitmasters while competing on the barbecue circuit. It didn’t take long for him to realize that OBR’s mission was something he needed to be a part of. When asked what inspired him to step up, Bruce shared, “My passion for barbecue and helping others in need inspired me to jump at the opportunity to do both.”
That opportunity arrived in full force a year later. On October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the Northeast, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Bruce made a few quick phone calls, packed his bags, and deployed to Brick, New Jersey, where he spent 15 days on the front lines providing comfort through hot, freshly cooked meals.
That intense first deployment became a defining moment for Bruce – and the catalyst for a lifelong commitment to OBR.
“Spending time with some of the families that lost everything, hearing their stories, and seeing the impact of the meals we provided is why I keep volunteering, along with my wife, Joanie,” Bruce said.
In fact, that initial deployment remains his favorite and most memorable OBR experience to date, serving as a constant touchstone for why he remains deeply involved today.
Through his years of service, Bruce has witnessed firsthand how a simple plate of food can deliver hope during a person’s darkest hour. In disaster situations where everything seems lost, comfort often comes in unexpected packages.
As Bruce puts it, “Just knowing that one hot meal in a disaster situation can make anyone smile in the face of disaster” makes every long hour behind the smoker worthwhile.
For anyone standing on the sidelines, wondering whether to take the leap into volunteering with OBR, Bruce offers straightforward, heartfelt advice: “My advice to anyone considering volunteering is to just do it one time – they will want to keep volunteering with OBR. Service to others is priceless.”
We are immensely grateful for Bruce’s unwavering dedication, his leadership, and the more than 500 hours he has given to serving others with OBR. Thank you, Bruce, for your extraordinary service and for bringing comfort, hope, and a hot meal to those who need it most!
