Veterans and First Responders Jamboree returns to Sally Buffalo Park Sept. 6–13

The Veterans and First Responders Jamboree Committee is preparing for its annual two-weekend event at Sally Buffalo Park by Wallace Lodge beginning Saturday, Sept. 6.

The first weekend will feature the third annual 22 for 22 Walk, a 22-mile walk around the park in remembrance of the 22 veterans who take their own lives each day.

“I felt suicide was my best option at one time in my life,” organizer Dirk Harkins said. “My story is not unique. You have 22 veterans a day, and if you bring our first responders into it there are 75 suicides a day. I take that very seriously… God saved my life, first and foremost, so let me be His vessel and go serve people.”

The county health department will be on-site to provide information for anyone struggling with mental health or supporting someone who is.

The fifth annual jamboree will follow Saturday, Sept. 13. Events include the Swole Sprint and a 5K run/walk, with no preregistration required. Veterans and their families will be offered a free breakfast at Wallace Lodge throughout the morning. Inflatables, a dunk tank, live music, food vendors and local organizations will be on hand.

Near the end of the 5K, participants and other attendees are invited to join a final walk around the lake. “At noon we want to have as many people as we can to walk around with 100 flags,” Harkins said. “It’s really cool to see that.”

A community favorite — the fireman water wars — is also returning, with multiple county fire departments competing.

Funds raised during the jamboree go directly into future events and helping local veterans in need.

“Thanks to the community we’ve been able to help five homeless veterans that we came in contact with,” Harkins said. “This past year we were able to buy a used vehicle for a veteran who was in need. We’ve been able to pay bills to help people get through hard times. That’s all because of the community. We’re grateful to everybody who has helped with this.”

For more information about the jamboree, to seek assistance as a veteran or first responder, or to donate, call Harkins at 740-491-7125 or email dirkharkins@gmail.com.