BBQ on the River 2014 is in the books

[KyNola]

BBQ on the River is over for another year.  When you are at a BBQ Festival for 3 days where more than 40 tons of BBQ is served you won't find any pics of us cooking over a grill or smoker.  Jan and I judged the whole hog competition again this year and were asked by a 5 time Grand Champion winner if we would come judge their event in October, which we will.  Saber4 and his wife Judy were pressed into service to judge the rib competition.

Each year it seems there is one special moment.  Here is this year's.  I have a friend named Brad who is a Wounded Warrior and has the titanium leg to prove it.  Before last year's BBQ Festival NePaS(Rick) had never met Brad.  I asked Rick to make Brad a survivor bracelet in the Wounded Warriors colors which Rick gladly did.  I presented the bracelet to Brad.  He was moved to tears to think that a total stranger would do something for him.  At last year's BBQ Festival Rick was able to meet Brad face to face.  It was a pretty emotional moment.

At this year's Festival Brad came down to visit with us on Thursday night.  On Friday night Brad came back again.  He pulled Rick aside and Brad had something in his closed hand.  He told Rick "I have something I want to give you.  If you don't take it I will really be hurt".  Brad opened his hand and placed his Purple Heart Campaign Ribbon into Rick's hand.

Now how special is that? 

Thanks to all who came and spent the weekend with Jan and me.  We are already looking forward to next year's event.

[Smokin Don]

A great story about special friends!!! Don

[sliding_billy]

Very cool!

[nepas]

Here is Brad with my wife and Judy (Saber4) wife.




Brad took me to the side, put his hand on my shoulder. Said i have a bond with you, your wife and your kids. I have something for you from me to you and if you dont take it, It will hurt my feelings.

When he put this in my hand i got choked up and had no words (which dont happen much)

From a true American hero to a normal guy who has pride and and unwavering gratitude and respect for the Men & Women past and present serving our great country.

[ACW3]

Great story.  I hope to be able to meet Brad next year.  Sounds like quite a young man.

Art

[Scallywag]

Great story for sure!

[squirtthecat]

Some action photos..


(Brad did some Segway training)










Food!



(Saber 4 brought Jerky Rounds and some smoked Chex Mix - it didn't survive the weekend)








(needed a vegetable fix)

[africanmeat]

Rick yes you are a normal guy but you are a good man .
Looks like you guys had a great weekend .
one day i will join you maybe they will let me judged the ribs .

[RAD]

Great post

[TwoPockets]

Great post! Looks like a fun time.

[squirtthecat]

Missed one shot..  (as we were dragging our luggage back to the car)

[muebe]

Wow Rick what a story!

Thanks for sharing all the pictures!

[Hub]

Wow!

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Great story and pictures too.   

Thank Brad for his service and sacrifice for our great nation and Rick for the honor he showed him.

[Pappymn]

I think Muebe is cutting onions again