Chris Jarboe has spent the past two decades working to support local veterans, military members and first responders, always looking for ways to honor and thank them for their service.
Jarboe was recognized with the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award on Saturday, though he was unable to attend the event in person. Redemption Inside the Walls and News Tribune partnered for the second year to select five "good Samaritans" who have gone above and beyond to help the Mid-Missouri area.
What started in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, as Operation Leaf Relief, a fundraising effort to help the families of those killed in the terrorist attacks, has grown and morphed in to Operation Bugle Boy, an organization that creates and hosts programs and activities to recognize and support veterans, military members and first responders. (Though Operation Leaf Relief continues each fall as a way of raising funds for Operation Bugle Boy's annual Veterans Appreciation Night.)
"I just thought it was going to be a one time thing," Jarboe said as he recalled the start of Operation Leaf Relief in 2001.
Jarboe's nomination referred to him as "a tireless worker in this community" who organizes and coordinates hundreds of events and activities benefiting others, and after so many years honoring others, deserves to be honored himself. But Jarboe would rather turn that spotlight onto the cause he serves.
While Jarboe was substantially responsible for Operation Leaf Relief, he emphasized the major contributions of Pete Adkins, Carl Vogel and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe in making it successful, and helping it evolve into Operation Bugle Boy.
Now, Operation Bugle Boy has grown into an organization of hundreds of adult and student volunteers who participate in at least two major patriotic community service projects each year, which this year include a Tribute to Heroes. The tribute is a letter writing campaign that encourages local students to write letters thanking service members and others for their contributions.
This year's Tribute to Heroes seeks to support first responders, and Jarboe said they are seeking letters to firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders that will be delivered during the holiday season. The campaign has already begun, with stationary available at EcoWater, Hy-Vee, Moser's in Holts Summit or Schulte's. It also can be obtained by contacting Jarboe at [email protected] before November.
The campaign also features a program set for Nov. 5 at Concord Baptist Church where first responders will be honored. The event will include a reception and a keynote speech from David L. Beamer, father of a United Flight 93 passenger who gave his life fighting the terrorists taking over the airplane.
Over the years, Jarboe said he has been able to read touching messages to soldiers serving in Afghanistan; help coordinate, pack and ship care packages to those serving overseas; and encourage a patriotic spirit among local students. But none of it would be possible without the support of the community.
"The culture of this community is kind of built on love of family, love of God and love of country," Jarboe said. "It's the right kind of love. ... People come together for the right causes."
The other four Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award recipients are: Connie Cashion, Alicia Edwards, Bill Graham and Jeff Brondel.