Some 500 Jefferson City area first responders enjoyed a complimentary chicken dinner Sunday, thanks to a community effort organized by two local veterans' appreciation groups.
Operation Bugle Boy and American Legion Post 5 teamed up for the fourth annual Patriot Sunday, held at American Legion Post 5.
The fried chicken dinner was paired with live music by Gary B and the Kools - a band made up of retired first responders.
Organizers said all of the meals were funded by sponsors. Eighteen of them were sponsored by David Beamer and his wife - the parents of Todd Beamer, a hero in the Sept. 9, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Todd Beamer was on United Flight 93 when hijackers killed the pilot and co-pilot and took control of the plane. Beamer, along with others on the plane, stormed the cockpit attempting to regain control of the plane. The plane crashed, killing all 44 people aboard. Of the four planes that were hijacked, Flight 93 was the only one that did not reach its intended target, reportedly the U.S. Capitol.
Beamer was known for helping to organize the raid against the terrorists, leading the charge by saying: "Let's roll."
Those who came for Sunday's dinner expressed thanks to Operation Bugle Boy, American Legion Post 5 and supportive area residents.
"It's nice to have community support and be appreciated," said Capt. Chris Muenks of the Jefferson City Fire Department.
Muenks said his father was a member of the American Legion, and he sees its members, including ex-police officers and first responders, as his peers.
"Any time you have the respect of your peers, it's a big deal," he said.
Francy Runge came with other members of Cole County Medical Services. "They always support us, and the food is always delicious," she said.
At Patriot Sunday, attendees received various door prizes, and the first 165 who came were given gift bags.
One of the women handing out the bags was Carolyn Scheperle, who's late husband, John, was a two-time Purple Heart recipient in World War II. Her father was one of the first motorcycle officers in Jefferson City, she said.
Her husband died five years ago after they had been married for 65 years, she said.
"These guys put their lives on the line for us," she said. "I feel kind of close to all of them. I've always been close to veterans."
A member of Operation Bugle Boy, Scheperle has helped at past Patriot Sunday events. She said the recipients of the annual event have earned respect and deserve to have such an event.
"For what they've gone through for us, who could we honor more? I've just got a special place in my heart for them," she said.
Another dedicated Operation Bugle Boy volunteer at the event was Maj. Dale Schmidt, a retired commander at the Missouri Highway Patrol's Troop F and current executive director of the Missouri Peace Officers Association.
Before Patriot Sunday, he said, similar events existed for area veterans, but there wasn't much for law enforcement, emergency medical services and firefighters.
"We figured a way to honor them would be to buy a dinner for their families and give them a little entertainment and have some prizes they could win," Schmidt said. "Just to let them know that we support them."
He said half of the money Operation Bugle Boy receives this year goes to Safety Net, a program for families of fallen first responders.
"Patriot Sunday is a reflection of the incredible respect and love that Mid-Missouri has for all of our first responders," Operation Bugle Boy President Chris Jarboe said.