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Lori Bruton

Author | Writer | Lifestyle Blogger |Speaker

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter

Honor and Patriotism are Served Up at Mission BBQ

January 27, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

Mission BBQ BAMBAM
Mission BBQ BAMBAM truck and smoker

I found a mission of honor and service in my neck of the woods.

Parked out front of Mission BBQ is a 5-ton truck called BAMBAM (Big And Mobile Barbeque Assault Machine). It serves as a billboard, a portable smoker, and a representative of their mission that proudly displays the American flag.

HONOR

Two patriotic friends, Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton created a way to honor America’s military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

PATRIOTISM

Recently, I sat down with Darin Townsend, Area Director of Operations, at Mission BBQ in Henrietta, NY. It is the first location in New York state. There are over 100 locations along the East coast. They serve up food and more with a heaping portion of patriotism.

The founders, Bill and Newt, wanted to bring patriotism back to our country to honor those who served. Hats off to them for executing this life-changing mission.

MISSION

The doors of Mission BBQ opened on a significant day, September 11, 2011. They chose that day because 9/11 changed our country forever. It was our Pearl Harbor.

This mission is about taking our country back and making it great again. Our heroes make this country great.

HEROES

Heroes are welcome the moment they walk in the door. Not only are they served authentic, homemade Texas-inspired BBQ and sauces made from scratch, but it is also served with respect and gratitude in a patriotic dining room.

Every day at noon, they stop serving at 11:58 am. Everyone in line is told they are going to pause for the Star-Spangled Banner. The teammates come out and stand around the corners of the restaurant, and at noon sharp, the national anthem of the United States comes on the speakers.

“We honor our country with the singing of the national anthem,” Townsend told me.

On special days like Veteran’s Day and Armed Forces Day, they have a live singer and National Guard. There is a guest of honor table. Last Veteran’s Day, there were three WWII veterans, a Korean War veteran, and three distinguished Army officers. WWII veterans always eat for free.

SERVICE

Throughout the year, they honor folks who have served, including first responders, police officers, and firefighters. On 9/11, they give away free sandwiches to them.

Hung on the walls are patches and pictures donated by family members of those who have served.

You’ll see a picture of Don Quigley, who served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His daughter is involved with the Honor Flight.

They have the academy wall honoring the four academies and the 9/11 wall in remembrance of that day.

SACRIFICE

There is a Gold Star wall for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. Lance Corporal Marine Zachary Smith from the Southern Tier paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was deployed to Afghanistan at 19 years young. A picture of Zach and his wife hangs in the foyer. They had only been married for six months.

Stories of service and sacrifice fill this place. Not only is Mission BBQ about good food, but it’s also about meaning, purpose, honor, and giving back.

Townsend also shared with me, “Anytime a Vietnam veteran enters, the teammates shake their hand and say, ‘Welcome home.’”

GIVING BACK

All their service is community oriented.

There is a Veteran VIP program and birthday club offered where you get a free sandwich. The All-American Hero Cup is available year-round. A portion of the proceeds is donated to various organizations.

They take food once a week to the local police and fire departments to say thank you. Recently, Mission BBQ closed for a day to feed the homeless veterans with the message, “Our heroes served us. It’s our turn to serve them.”

Additionally, Mission BBQ gives back by donating and raising funds for various organizations. Namely, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Concerns of Police Survivors are a few.

SERVANT’S HEART

Cheers to these heroes for a mission well done. Their servant’s hearts are making a difference daily in many ways. They encourage families to bring in pictures and patches of loved ones who have served or are currently serving.

It will warm your heart and quench your appetite when you support their mission. Well done, Mission BBQ.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: MY BLOG Tagged With: 911, America, appetite, community, donations, eastcoast, firefighters, firstresponders, food, foodiefriday, freedom, fundraising, giveback, help, heroes, homeless, hungry, lorisstories, meaning, military, mission, missionbbq, nationanthem, patriotism, policeofficers, purpose, restaurant, service, thelorifactor, travelwriter, UnitedStates

What Matters Most

September 11, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Reflect on What Matters Most
Reflect on What Matters Most photo by Lori Bruton

This day is currently 9/11

It was a day of tragedy and sorrow for the attack on America in 2001 that will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones. Thank you to all the first responders.

That was an eye-opener for what matters most.

I almost lost a dear son on August 22, 2021. He is a first responder, but it was a motocycle accident that threatened his life. Thankfully, his life was spared. Make family a priority. Love conquers all. Forgiveness opens the door to restoration, peace, harmony, and unity.

Read my article here about Unity in the Home Publications.

There will always be things to do. Your calendar is full. If you don’t schedule time for the people you love, nobody will do it for you. Don’t wait until its too late.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure. ~ Psalm 39:5

Every sunrise is a gift from God.

Live each day to the fullest as though it could be your last day. When that day comes, decide NOW what your eternal address will be. Choose 777 Heaven. Your mansion awaits you. Travel to the right destination.

It is my mission to tell you that there is only One True God. Ask Him yourself. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I almost lost my life too soon.

At that time, my eternal future was in a place of hopelessness, despair, and destruction. Then, I found Hope. I knew my story must be told. My message is meant to get into your hands.

This message is in my book:  The LORI Factor:  Live the Life You Were Born to Live

Here is a description of The LORI Factor

This book has the potential to become the avenue to your miracle. It gives insights and examples of personal experiences that are relatable and real.

Lori Bruton is a messenger of HOPE who gives you hope for the future and POWER in the present. Do you know that you have more inside you that’s waiting to come out?

“If you are seeking direction and looking for a way to transform your life, keep reading! The LORI Factor will show you the way.” Les Brown

Much Love to you and your family,

Family
Celebrate Family – Love one another

Filed Under: MY BLOG Tagged With: 911, accident, America, attack, author, believe, blog, book, calendar, death, faith, family, forgiveness, harmony, healing, heaven, home, hope, injury, lesbrown, life, lifestyleblog, loribruton, lorisstories, lorisstoriesbythewater, loss, message, miracle, mission, peace, restoration, sadness, salvation, schedule, sickness, sorrow, speaker, sunrise, thelorifactor, time, tragedy, transform, travelblog, unity

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Hi, I'm Lori!

I'm a copywriter, blog writer, and ghostwriter, with a focus in the inspirational and travel niches. Need custom copy that motivates? Learn more about what I do!

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