In the world of competitive barbecue, the aroma of smoke and the spirit of camaraderie are ever-present. For Stephen Campbell, his days spent competing and judging at barbecue contests were more than just a hobby; they were the introduction to a calling. What started as simple donations to Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) eventually transformed into a retirement mission fueled by a “giving heart.”
The transition from donor to boots-on-the-ground volunteer happened in 2018, when Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City, Florida. While many felt the urge to help, Stephen found his specific niche through a moment of clarity. His wife’s church was heading down to help with cleanup and repairs, but he knew where his true strengths lay.
“I realized that I could be more effective cooking than pulling limbs or tarping roofs,” Stephen said.
That first deployment proved to be a life-changing experience. In the heat and humidity of the Florida Panhandle, amidst the wreckage of a major storm, he found more than just a way to serve; he found a family.
“I met lifelong friends during that first deployment and every one since,” Stephen said.
Leaving a disaster zone is never easy. Stephen’s drive home from Florida was an emotional one, marked by the realization that his time with OBR was only just beginning.
“Leaving Panama City was emotional because there was still such a great need, and I had to be back at work,” he said. “On the drive home, I decided that OBR was what I wanted to do in my retirement.”
Since that day, he has made good on that promise, volunteering at every available opportunity.
For those sitting on the fence about joining the OBR family, he offers a refreshing perspective. There is often a misconception that you need to be a pitmaster to be of use, but the reality is much more inclusive.
“You do not have to know how to cook; there is a job for everyone,” he said. “You just have to show up with a giving heart.”
Whether it’s the scorching heat of a summer deployment or the biting cold of a recent response in Oxford, Mississippi, Stephen said the physical exhaustion of the work is consistently outweighed by the emotional reward.
“I have never felt as good at the end of a tiring day as I do when I am helping people who may never be able to thank me,” Stephen said.
While OBR deployments often take volunteers far from home, he is quick to point out that his service is a partnership. Behind every volunteer in the field is a support system making it possible. For him, that person is his wife, Andrea.
“I want to thank my wife, Andrea, for taking care of our farm and animals while I am away,” he said. “I truly could not volunteer with OBR without her support.”
The story of our volunteers is the story of OBR. It is a story of neighbors helping neighbors, one hot meal at a time. If you have been looking for a way to give back, remember that all it takes is a willingness to show up. To join our volunteer family, download the “OBR Volunteers” smartphone app or visit https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunteer/new-volunteers.
