Almost certainly, the centerpiece of a delicious Easter family dinner is the ham.
Thursday afternoon in Oak Grove, officials with Christian and Trigg counties — and in conjunction with Hampton Meats, the Christian County Military Affairs Committee and Oak Grove Racing Gaming & Hotel — made sure veterans and their families had the pork package free of charge, courtesy of the Second Annual “Hams for Heroes.”
By 2 PM Thursday, more than 200 of the 525 refrigerated rumps had been doled out — with full expectations that all would be handed out by sundown.
Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver was one of the many volunteers on site at the Equestrian Center parking lot, who also spent Thursday morning in Fort Campbell for the HH-60 helicopter memorial unveiling.
For her, it felt like a full circle.
Speaking of Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam, he noted the 2023 inception of “Ham for Heroes” came as a collaborative effort — and it’s something they hope to continue for years to come.
The looks on the faces and the true appreciation, he added, made these last two years worth the effort.
Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight said any expansion of the effort isn’t an impossible thought.
Oak Grove Racing Gaming & Hotel President & General Manager Darren VanDover said partnering for this only made sense, and they “jumped on it.”
In hilarious fashion, a pig mascot was also on site, while two large Oak Grove Fire Department trucks and American Flag marked the entrance.
