The 2026 First Responder & Family Appreciation Event was another incredible success! Held Saturday, July 10, 2026 at Cunningham Park in Joplin, the event brought together first responders, veterans, their families, and members of the community for a day of appreciation, fellowship, and fun.
As we celebrate the success of our ninth annual event, we are grateful to everyone who attended and to the many volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose support made this day so special. Your generosity and dedication helped create lasting memories for the men and women who serve our communities every day.
A special thank you goes to Peterson Outdoors Ministries and its amazing volunteers for their continued commitment to honoring first responders and veterans. Their passion and hard work have been instrumental in making this event a meaningful tradition year after year.
Families enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the day, including face painting, the Teddy Bear Mobile, KONA Ice, music from a live DJ, cornhole, horseshoes, and delicious chuck wagon meals prepared by the Mighty Mo Chuck Wagons. There was something for everyone to enjoy while spending quality time together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The event also featured several distinguished guests and speakers. We were honored to welcome Senator Jill Carter, Representative-elect Roger Koch, and keynote speaker Mark Priebe of the Priebe Strong Foundation. Jimmy Burgess of Heartland Canines for Veterans also joined us to share more about the organization’s mission of supporting veterans through specially trained service dogs.
One of the highlights of the day was recognizing outstanding leaders who make a difference in our communities. Awards were presented to Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson, Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser, and Senator Jill Carter in appreciation of their dedication, leadership, and continued service to the people they represent.
Events like this remind us how important it is to recognize the sacrifices made by our first responders and veterans, along with the families who stand beside them every day. We are proud to be part of a community that comes together to show gratitude and support for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Thank you again to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and helped make this year’s event such a success. We are already looking forward to celebrating our heroes again next year as we mark the 10th Annual First Responder & Family Appreciation Event. We can’t wait to see you there!
