JAVELAN—short for Jack Assisting Veterans Enjoy Life Again—was founded in 2017 to provide funding and training for service dogs to assist Veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical or emotional challenges. Mike joined the board in 2020 and was unanimously elected director the following year. Under his guidance, JAVELAN expanded its mission by merging with the First Responders Foundation, extending its services to meet the critical needs of both Veterans and first responders in East Central Nebraska and Western Iowa.

Since stepping into this leadership role, Mike has helped JAVELAN significantly broaden its reach. What began as a goal of training six service dog-handler teams annually has now grown into more than 130 successfully trained teams—a nearly threefold increase. Mike’s efforts have boosted awareness, strengthened fundraising, and expanded access to lifesaving support for those who have served their country and communities.

Beyond organizational leadership, Mike is an active ambassador for JAVELAN. He speaks regularly at community events, raising awareness of the mental health crisis among Veterans and first responders—where tragically, an average of 22 Veterans lose their lives to suicide each day. His advocacy reached a national stage in 2024 when he was honored at the First Responders Bowl in Dallas, Texas, alongside a service dog and handler.

Mike’s commitment to both his business and community reflects his deep sense of responsibility and compassion. His work ensures that Veterans and first responders have access to the service dogs and support they need to regain independence, resilience, and quality of life. In recognition of his dedication, Mike received the 2025 Vision Humanitarian Award, underscoring the profound impact of his leadership.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

The post Driven to Serve: How Mike Kraus Has Expanded Hope Through JAVELAN appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

But for Shawna, retirement didn’t mean stepping away from her life’s calling—it meant finding a new way to serve. Turning her personal challenges into a powerful new mission, she embarked on an academic journey focused on mental health and wellness. She earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology from Iowa Western Community College in 2023, then her Bachelor’s in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 2025. Now, she’s preparing to enter UNO’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program, with plans to earn her Master’s degree in 2028.

Shawna’s goal is clear: to become a licensed counselor specializing in the unique mental health needs of first responders and their families. She is already making a difference as a passionate peer support advocate, volunteering with national and local organizations including The Wounded Blue, Call for Backup, the First Responders Support Network, and the First Responders Foundation.

Service runs deep in Shawna’s family. She is the proud daughter and granddaughter of veteran officers, and her husband, Ken McClure, is a veteran K-9 handler with the Council Bluffs Police Department. Together, they have built a loving family with four children—Kevin, Derek, Jacqueline, and Joseph—and six cherished grandchildren: Everleigh, Eliska, Bear, Sonnet, Sutton, and Ryker.

Having spent 25 years protecting her community, Shawna McClure now looks forward to spending the rest of her life lifting up those who protect us all. Her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and a legacy of service that continues to shine bright.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

The post From Badge to Beacon: Detective Shawna McClure’s Lifelong Mission to Serve Those Who Serve appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Don Rice, M.D.

Don Rice is the founder and owner of the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, which proudly celebrates 20 years of service this year. A native of California, Dr. Rice first came to Nebraska in 1993 for his doctoral training at Creighton University School of Medicine. He later completed his residency at Riverside General Hospital in California, where he served as Chief Resident in 1996, before returning to Nebraska to dedicate his career to rural family and emergency medicine.

Dr. Rice’s influence extends far beyond Lincoln. He served as the Statewide EMS Physician Medical Director for Nebraska for 16 years, developing groundbreaking standards of care such as the first Nebraska Statewide STEMI guidelines and publishing important research on cardiac care and resuscitation. His expertise in medical informatics has made him a sought-after EMS consultant in states across the country, from Alaska to Georgia.

But beyond his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Rice has always held a deep respect for first responders, whom he sees as embodying courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. Supporting the First Responders Foundation was a natural extension of his life’s work and values.

Allison Rice

While Don has been a force in emergency medicine, Allison Rice has been equally impactful behind the scenes at the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln. On the administrative side, she manages accounting and marketing, embracing a dynamic mix of responsibilities that keep the clinic running smoothly.

Her connection to first responders and Veterans is deeply personal. Years ago, she and Don hosted sobriety celebrations for their local VA, inspired in part by her grandfather, a Veteran who battled addictions. Today, Allison and Don also foster dogs through rescue organizations, a passion that connected them to the First Responders Foundation’s JAVELAN program. With friends who serve as JAVELAN trainers, Allison quickly saw the dedication, compassion, and commitment that the program—and the Foundation as a whole—brings to Veterans, first responders, and their families.

As Allison explains, “Every time I spoke with someone at the First Responders Foundation, it was inspiring to hear about the significant contributions they make to those who have served. We definitely feel that it’s our privilege to be a small part of what they do.
United in Service

Together, Don and Allison Rice embody the values of service, leadership, and compassion. Their shared commitment—whether in healthcare, community outreach, or animal rescue—reflects a life dedicated to helping others. By supporting the First Responders Foundation, they continue to strengthen the very heart of the community: the people who serve it.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

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A Career in Power and Leadership

Gary Gates began his journey in the nuclear power industry in 1972, when he joined OPPD. Just two years later, he started at the Fort Calhoun Station, where he held a variety of roles, including reactor engineer, operations supervisor, and eventually manager.

By 1989, his leadership qualities earned him the role of executive assistant to the president, and shortly after, division manager of Nuclear Operations. In 1992, he became vice president of nuclear operations, and in 2004, he was named President and CEO of OPPD. Under his leadership, the district continued to grow and evolve, always with a focus on reliability and public service. After an extraordinary career, Gary retired in 2015.

Dedicated to Service Beyond the Workplace

While his professional accomplishments are remarkable, Gary’s impact reaches far beyond the energy industry. His dedication to community service is reflected in his many board affiliations, including:

• Boy Scouts Mid-America Council
• College World Series
• First Responders Foundation
• FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association
• National Defense Research Corporation
• University of Nebraska Foundation
• USS Omaha, and more.

In addition, he served as chair or honorary chair for countless causes, from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association to Make-A-Wish Nebraska and the YMCA of Greater Omaha. In recognition of these contributions, Gary and his wife, Kathy, were honored as Humanitarians of the Year in 2012 by United Way of the Midlands. Four years later, Gary was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame.

Education and Family Values

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and an MBA from Creighton University. These achievements reflect a lifelong commitment to growth and learning.

But perhaps what Gary values most is family. He and Kathy have three children and eleven grandchildren, who are an enduring part of his legacy.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

From his pivotal role in advancing nuclear operations at OPPD to his tireless dedication to philanthropic causes, W. Gary Gates embodies what it means to be both a leader and a servant to the community. His story is a reminder that true success is measured not just by professional milestones, but by the lives impacted along the way.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

The post Honoring Leadership: The Legacy of W. Gary Gates appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Councilman Pete Festersen’s Ongoing Commitment to Omaha

But Pete’s dedication to the community goes far beyond City Hall. As Vice President of Public Affairs for CHI Health — one of Omaha’s largest private employers — Pete works daily to strengthen connections between health care and the communities it serves. His professional journey has always focused on making Omaha a stronger, more vibrant city. Before his current roles, Pete led his own small business and held senior leadership positions with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Mike Fahey.

True to his community-first mindset, Pete has invested countless hours in boards and nonprofits that directly impact the lives of Omaha families. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Douglas County Board of Public Health. He lends his guidance to vital organizations such as Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue and the Food Bank of the Heartland capital campaign, ensuring families in need have access to healthy, nourishing meals.

His past service includes chairing the Omaha Planning Board and working with beloved local institutions like the Omaha Children’s Museum, College World Series, Inc., and the United Way of the Midlands campaign. Whether it’s supporting education, public health, or food security, Pete’s dedication shows up in countless corners of Omaha life.

An Omaha native, Pete’s roots run deep. A proud graduate of Central High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A graduate of Leadership Omaha, he’s been recognized many times for his outstanding service, including the Excellence in Public Service Award from UNO, Elected Official of the Year by ASPA-Nebraska, and the UNO Citation for Alumni Achievement.

At home, Pete’s greatest pride is his family. His wife, Paige, shapes young minds as a preschool teacher at Dundee Presbyterian Church, while their daughters, Anna and Caroline, remind him every day why community matters so much. Outside of work and service, Pete is an accomplished sailor — a Nebraska State Champion in both soccer and curling — and keeps the beat as a lifelong musician and drummer in a local rock band.

Through every chapter of his career and life, Councilman Pete Festersen remains anchored by a simple belief: that true leadership means building a stronger community for everyone. And as Omaha continues to grow, Pete’s unwavering commitment to service ensures that it grows together.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

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Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha is a full-service residential and commercial emergency cleanup and restoration for disasters of all sizes. If your property is damaged, Paul Davis of Omaha will respond to the call and provide instant cleanup services 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Their goal is to answer calls within 30 minutes and arrive at the scene prepared to take care of damage in less than four hours.

They know that fast action is the key in emergency situations. They are household and commercial business disaster “first responders” who work closely with local law enforcement and fire departments to provide cleanup and restoration services. Paul Davis Restoration also provides property damage cleanup and emergency relief services no matter what the disaster or the size including storm, water, and fire damage restoration, mold removal, and constant cleaning. 

Paul Davis Restoration Of Omaha Gives Back to First Responders

For over 37 years, Paul Davis of Omaha has earned the reputation as the best in the business. As part of a national franchise network since 1966, there are more than 350 locations across North America and they are the leading insurance restoration franchise in North America.

Since its inception, Paul Davis of Omaha has restored over 30,000 lives through knowledge, ongoing training, and dedication to their Core Mission Statement; ‘To provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.’ The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your home, business, or property is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis of Omaha returns people back to their property as soon as possible.

The team leader and General Manager, Mike Buckley has been with the company for 15 years and GM since 2020. His many roles and involvement in large jobs have resulted in the creation of valuable company-wide processes, safety, and many divisional changes allowing for continued growth. Mike’s goal is to have a team of individuals who enjoy working together and are focused on the company’s mission, vision, and core values. From what we at the Foundation see and experience he is doing just that. An outstanding group of professionals who get the job done and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Accepting the award along with Mike is Business Development Manager, Cindy Gessert. Cindy has been in the emergency services and restoration industry for 20 years. She is a Certified Continuing Education instructor and has completed IICRC Fire and Water Damage courses and holds Emergency Recovery Service and Lead Certifications.

Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha shared

“We believe in giving back to our community and especially those that we work with, our First Responders. We have a deep appreciation for the service they provide to our community on a daily basis. Because of that, we have partnered with the First Responders Foundation.”

The Paul Davis Team has shown tremendous support for first responders and the Foundation.

For many years as a corporate sponsor of our Guns & Hoses events and the 9/11 Luncheon, they have donated thousands of dollars to the Foundation. They have also held golf tournaments that raised awareness of the Foundation and funded over 70 individual students with a $500 Awards of Excellence scholarship for high school seniors who are children of first responders totaling $33,000. Paul Davis Team members often attend events when other organizations support us as well. Their dedication and commitment to the Foundation in so many ways is exceedingly appreciated. 

Over the years Paul Davis of Omaha has supported many other organizations including:

Nebraska Humane Society, Town & Country Humane Society, USMC Toys for Tots, American Red Cross Blood Mobile, Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family, Diaper Drive, School Supply Drive for Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Foodbank for the Heartland, and The Furniture Project.

For more information on Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha click here.

For tips on what to do in the event of a disaster and disaster preparation click here.

More about the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

For more about the Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

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J. Joe Ricketts founded the brokerage Ameritrade

A pioneer in the use of technology to revolutionize the financial services sector, J. Joe Ricketts founded the brokerage Ameritrade, a securities industry leader that empowered self-directed investors with innovative investment tools and training.

After graduating from Creighton University in 1968 with an economics degree, Mr. Ricketts began his professional career first as a branch manager at Dun & Bradstreet, then as a registered representative with Dean Witter. In 1975, he co-founded First Omaha Securities, a retail securities brokerage firm in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade for approximately $26 billion

Mr. Ricketts recognized that featuring negotiated commissions would allow the firm to take advantage of the newly deregulated discount securities market. Under Mr. Ricketts’ leadership, First Omaha Securities grew quickly and, through the use of innovative technology and marketing, evolved into Ameritrade, which managed hundreds of billions of dollars in client assets. In 2020, The Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade for approximately $26 billion, combining the firms into one of the largest global financial powerhouses with approximately $6 trillion in client assets.

Joe Ricketts Supports First Responders, Education, Conservation, Art & More

The Foundation thanks Mr. Ricketts for supporting first responders and their families and the Foundation. On September 25, 2021, Mr. Joe Ricketts/Straight Arrow News hosted Omaha’s Rally for the Responders. This day was dedicated to those who put our city first during a time like no other. It was a day to celebrate first responders, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, nurses, and doctors who showed us what courage and duty are all about during the COVID pandemic.

The Rally was the ultimate thank-you party for First Responders

They cared for the citizens of our community, protected us, and kept our city going. The Rally was filled with live music, food, exotic horses, first responder vehicles, carnival games, and fireworks. The Foundation had a booth where people wrote notes of thanks to first responders and children drew pictures of appreciation. It was held at TD Ameritrade Park and it was 100% free. It was an extraordinary and extravagant, one-of-a-kind day and event. To say the least first responders and their families felt the appreciation.

Mr. Ricketts/Straight Arrow News made a difference in the lives of first responders and their families. Making a difference is not something unusual when it comes to Joe Ricketts. Since 2008, Mr. Ricketts has devoted himself to a variety of entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures, including: 

Opportunity Education Foundation

Opportunity Education Foundation is a charitable foundation with the mission of developing and supporting life-changing learning programs for young adults worldwide.

This provides young people worldwide with educational resources to succeed in life, today and tomorrow. Today’s world is dynamic, connected, and changing, raising new questions all the time. For students to succeed, they need more than fixed answers — they need the ability to keep growing and adapting to the world they find. Quest Forward Learning, the curriculum of Opportunity Education, activates lifelong curiosity in each student, cultivating the mindset, essential habits, and skills to succeed in life and work. Success isn’t about answering old questions. It’s about seeing opportunities to create value and having the skills to do so — for yourself, for your community, and for the world.

Quest Forward Academies

Quest Forward Academies are high schools designed around active, student-centered learning using projects, reflection, and rich feedback to help students learn and grow. There is a Quest Forward Academy in Omaha.

The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation

The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation established in 2017 offers 3-day silent retreats to men and women of all faiths. 

More than twenty years ago, Joe Ricketts attended a Jesuit retreat in Minnesota that changed his life. In the midst of a demanding career, his first silent weekend of reflection and study revealed what mattered most to him: family, morality, and honesty. Attending a yearly Jesuit retreat has been a staple of his spiritual life ever since.

Mr. Ricketts had long dreamed of making the Jesuit retreat experience available to more people. The Cloisters on the Platte is the realization of that dream. Mr. Ricketts personally funded the Foundation’s construction of the retreat property. Ongoing operations are funded through a combination of donations by retreatants (free will offerings), donations by people visiting the Stations of the Cross, and product sales. The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors.

The Cloisters on the Platte Retreat Center retreats are based on the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who lived from 1491 to 1556. During his lifetime, St. Ignatius composed a brief set of meditations, prayers, and mental exercises to be used by men and women seeking to discern God’s will in their lives. Every year, The Cloisters brings the power of quiet reflection to people seeking spiritual renewal. 

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross located at the Retreat Center are accessible without attending a retreat. Walk the length of the Stations of the Cross and you will have covered the 2,500 steps Jesus Christ took from Jerusalem to his crucifixion. Life-size bronze statues tell the story of Jesus’ path to his death. Each stop along the path includes an audio description of the events leading from his sentence of death by Pontius Pilate to his entombment.

The bronze statues stand about seven feet tall and were created by 10 artists from around the United States. The Stations of the Cross are the only area of the retreat open to the public. As you walk along the route, you’ll notice the beauty of the area, with treelined rolling hills. 

Ricketts Conservation Foundation

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation was founded by Joe Ricketts to support the conservation of wildlife and wilderness areas, promoting the importance of environmental stewardship as an enduring value. Central to Mr. Ricketts’ belief is the idea that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. In a world facing increasingly complex environmental challenges, private sector resources play an ever-greater role in the conservation of wildlife and wilderness areas. By answering this need, and encouraging others to do the same, the Ricketts Conservation Foundation aims to make a difference in the quality of life enjoyed by future generations.

Ricketts Art Foundation

The Ricketts Art Foundation was founded to enrich people’s lives by providing innovative access to the works of important visual, performing, and literary artists, both current and past. As its first project, The Foundation partnered with The Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Museum of Mountain to create The Alfred Jacob Miller Online Catalogue.

Straight Arrow News

In June of 2021, Mr. Ricketts launched Straight Arrow News. Straight Arrow News is committed to fair, factual, unbiased journalism and political commentary that encourages viewers to make up their own minds. By approaching every issue from an objective, middle ground and highlighting underreported stories, the aim is to empower people with context and facts. 

Mr. Ricketts owns:

Village Pie Maker

The Village Pie Maker pies are handcrafted in small batches with care and attention to every detail using premium quality fruit with fillings made from scratch—never from a can. The buttery, flaky crust is gently rolled and then crimped by hand. The delicious “take and bake” frozen fruit pies can be found nationwide in many local grocery stores and markets.

High Plains Bison

From mouth-watering bison burgers and sausages to tender, hand-cut bison steaks, High Plains Bison offers a wide variety of premium bison products that are easy to prepare and great for grilling. 

Mr. Ricketts is also the author of the book

The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get An Entrepreneur’s Memoir (2019).

Simon and Shuster shares,

“Joe Ricketts always had the gift of seeing what others missed. The son of a house builder, he started life as a part-time janitor, but by the age of thirty-three, he saw the chance to challenge the big brokerage firms by offering Americans an inexpensive way to take control of their own stock trading. Nowadays, we take for granted that Main Street is playing right there on Wall Street, but Ricketts made that happen. His company, begun with $12,500 borrowed from friends and family, took off like a rocket thanks to an early embrace of digital technology and irreverent marketing. But Ameritrade also faced a series of near-disasters: the SEC almost shut him down; his partners tried to force him out because of his relentless risk-taking; penny brokers swindled the company; the crash of 1989 nearly cost him everything; and he was almost shut down again when a customer committed massive fraud. By the time of the dot-com bust, he had proven that his strategy based on frontier values could survive just about anything.”

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Ricketts and his wife of more than 60 years have four children and fourteen grandchildren.

Omaha’s Rally for the Responders

The Foundation again thanks Mr. Ricketts for his support of the Foundation and first responders and for hosting Omaha’s Rally for the Responders. It was the ultimate thank-you party for First Responders.

We sincerely thank him for all he has done and continues to do to make a difference for people in our local community and throughout the world.

For more information on the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

More information on the Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

For more pictures from Omaha’s Rally for the Responders visit our Facebook page here.

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Tim has been a long-time supporter of first responders and of the Foundation. Tim is the keynote speaker for this years First Responders Foundations 9/11 Luncheon of Honor where his speech is titled  “A Story of a First Responder Family”

Tim recently retired as the President and CEO of OPPD.

Timothy J. Burke joined OPPD in April 1997 as vice president. He served as vice president of Customer Service & Public Affairs, overseeing Customer Service Operations, Customer Sales & Service, Customer Strategy, Economic Development, Safety & Technical Training, Corporate Marketing & Communications, Operations Analysis, Governmental Affairs, and Environmental & Regulatory Affairs. In May 2015, he became president and CEO. He retired last summer.

His local and industry board affiliations include:

• American Public Power Association
• Large Public Power Council
• Nebraska Power Association
• Business Ethics Alliance Trustee
• Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
• United Way of the Midlands – past Chair of the Board and he and his wife Terri were the chairs of the 2022 United Way of the Midlands Campaign
• Partnership for Our Kids
• StratCom Consultation Committee
• Offutt Air Force Base Advisory Council
• Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader Program
• Nebraska Blue Print Steering Committee
• Papillion First Responders Foundation Chapter Board of Directors in 2021
  

Burke holds a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University. He is married to Terri Burke. They have three sons who are married, as well as seven grandchildren.  

We look forward to hearing Tim speak at the luncheon and to honoring him for all he has done for first responders.

For tickets to the luncheon click here.

For more information on the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

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A Century of Support

For more than 100 years, Omaha Steaks has delivered exceptional experiences that bring people together. That mission extends beyond the company’s core business and shapes the way Omaha Steaks and its employees engage with the community. 

From community partnerships to volunteering and in-kind support, serving others and bringing people together with a spirit of generosity is a fundamental part of the company’s identity. The Simon family and Omaha Steaks believe that active and engaged businesses have an important role to play in building strong, sustainable, and thriving communities. 

Since 1917, Omaha Steaks has earned a reputation for its commitment to charitable causes that enhance the lives of others. Support for the arts and civic and military organizations in Omaha and across the country is a Simon family tradition that forms the foundation the company was built upon. Fighting food insecurity, supporting the arts, and giving back to the courageous first responders and military members who protect our communities is how Omaha Steaks invests on a local and national level to improve people’s lives. 

Omaha Steaks Partners with Organizations that Support First Responders and Veterans 

That is why Omaha Steaks is proud to partner with organizations that support first responders, veterans, and all of the courageous people who keep our communities and country safe. As citizens, we expect our first responders to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of bravery, honor, integrity, and moral character. It is only right that they should receive the recognition and support they need to perform their duties effectively and promote public safety in a vibrant, engaged community. 

Omaha Steaks has long been humbled by, and grateful for, the efforts of these individuals, their families, and the organizations they represent, and strives to support them when possible. Whether it is sending an Omaha Steaks dinner to a unit of deployed military personnel, providing food for events benefiting veterans, or assisting their family members waiting at home, supporting first responders, the military, veterans, and their families is a high priority for the company.

Over the years, Omaha Steaks has supported many organizations dedicated to first responders, veterans, and the military, including: 

First Responders Foundation
Navy Seals Family Foundation
Omaha Police Officers Association
Forward Free
Operation Homefront
Wounded Warriors Family Support Project
Midwest Gang Investigators Association
Northwest Community Hospital Nurses
Paralyzed Vets of America
Soldiers 6
Valley Nebraska Police Department
Iowa Fire Fighters Association
Vance Military Spouses

The support of these organizations was provided via in-kind support or product donations for events.  

Fifth Generation Family Owner, Chairman & CEO, Todd Simon

As the fifth-generation family owner of Omaha Steaks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Todd Simon is more than the company’s Chief Steak Evangelist. He is responsible for developing and driving the company’s culture of excellence and continues the Simon family’s legacy of philanthropy. 

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for various organizations that support the arts, as well as social and human services. He was the recipient of the Humanities Nebraska Sower Award, named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and, along with his wife, Betiana, was named Humanitarian of the Year by Inclusive Communities.

This dedication to service is ingrained in Omaha Steaks company culture, with employees participating in various fundraising and donation drives throughout the year and volunteering with local food banks, Habitat for Humanity, and other community organizations devoted to the arts and civic engagement. 

The Simon family and Omaha Steaks believe that strong communities bring people together. But what binds them and unifies them through heart and spirit, are perfect meals, cooked and prepared with familial hands, and shared around a table filled with loved ones. Those meals speak to the soul and create moments of closeness that can never be broken. 

At its very core, the feeding of loved ones serves a cause greater than yourself. It is an act of giving, much like the actions and intentions of the brave first responders that we turn to in times of need. Anything that can inspire feelings of trust, deeper purpose, and closeness among our communities, is where you’ll find the Simon family in full support. 

Omaha Steaks Supports the First Responders Foundation and Local Heroes

It is such an honor to be counted among the individuals and organizations that contribute to the promotion of public safety and the betterment of our community. And while this cause is undoubtedly great, the heroes who put their lives on the line day in and day out are truly greater. The Simon family will never relent in its humble quest to show appreciation and gratitude around the cause they serve. You, the first responders, veterans, service men and women, and their stalwart families, will always hold a seat of distinction at our dinner table. 

Omaha Steaks has been overwhelmingly supportive of the First Responders Foundation for many years. They have donated thousands of bags of beef jerky that has been donated to first responders. For 13 years Omaha Steaks has provided steak for every firefighter working at the Omaha Fire Department during our Appreciation Lunches. This is the second year that the protein for the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, including this year has been supplied by Omaha Steaks. Through the years they have provided steak, chicken, pork chops, and jerky anytime the First Responders Foundation has requested and have financially sponsored events as well. To Todd and the Simon Family and all at Omaha Steaks we sincerely thank you for everything.

For more information about the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

For more information about the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

For more information about Omaha Steaks click here.

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Tim and Mary are two of the founders of JAVELAN which is now a successful program of the First Responders Foundation. JAVELAN provides funding for the training of service dogs, often assists recipients in obtaining service dogs (as much as possible rescue dogs), and provides service dog trainers. Named after a special service dog “Jack”, with the full acronym: Jack, Assisting Veterans Enjoying Life Again.

A Partnership For Growth

The McAlpine’s partnership with The First Responders Foundation began in 2019 when Tim met Al Batschelet, First Responders Foundation CEO.  JAVELAN was a highly successful, albeit small non-profit organization funding the training for military veterans to obtain service dogs. A very unique organization of volunteers, using the Community Model for training service dogs. The Community Model is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community engagement with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience. JAVELAN uses this model by having the recipient of the service dog assist in all aspects of the training. Many times service dogs are trained in multiple areas in anticipation of what may be needed. This hands-on approach ensures that the service dog is trained specifically for the needs of the recipient. The training is done by a certified trainer who is teaching the recipient along with the service dog. The dog lives with the recipient while being trained. The respect and love bonds develop quickly with this approach as well.

In 2019 JAVELAN reached its potential as a total volunteer organization and needed professional involvement to continue the rapid growth. With over 30% of first responders former or current military veterans, the First Responders Foundation was the perfect fit to provide professional oversight and support to assure the continued growth of JAVELAN.

Considering Military Members as Part of Their Family

Tim and Mary have considerable experience working with organizations providing support services. These high school sweethearts have been married for 52 years. Tim and Mary worked with the military for over 33 years. Tim is retired from the Army-Air Force Exchange Service serving soldiers and airmen as an executive manager in strategic planning, marketing, purchasing, and field operations. With Mary by his side, they traveled from Army posts to Air Force bases in Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, Washington State, and Nebraska and became part of the military community. They consider military members part of their family. Their interaction with the military and their dedication to serving those who face challenges in leading a successful and productive life resulted in a strong commitment to community service. The McAlpine’s honor and respect the sacrifices many have made to allow us to live a life of our choosing.

Tim and Mary have two children, Christine and Randy. It was their daughter Christine who was born with disabilities that led them to the understanding of how much a service dog could change the lives of many who needed support for daily living

The McAlpine’s Personal Experience with Service Dogs

Once Christine had her service dog, suddenly, people were comfortable with approaching the McAlpine family in public as the dog presented a familiar, common ground for conversation. The dog offered an avenue for acceptance with the focus shifting from fear and suspicion to love and caring.

As the McAlpine’s found the healing power of a service dog in the life of a person with a disability, long before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, they knew there would be a mission and purpose to share this experience with others.  After attending the passage of ADA in 1990, they recognized service dogs also had the potential to return independence and meaningful life to those who experienced trauma and disabling injuries. It has become clear, and research supports, that the calming effect of this shift of focus, is the same for veterans and first responders as the service dog or “battle buddy” can allow them to enjoy life again.

Continuing Community Involvement Into Retirement

With the support of their children, Tim and Mary continue their community involvement in retirement. Randy, his wife Lauren, and their children Henry, Charlotte, and George live in Omaha. Randy is a Certified Financial Planner and owns his own company North Channel Capital. Christine now lives in supported community services, also in Omaha.

Tim and Mary have served as volunteers, officers, and board members with the ARC of Nebraska, United Cerebral Palsy of NE, The Parent Training and Information Center (PTI Nebraska), The Meyer Foundation for Disabilities, Munroe-Meyer Guild, NHS Hospital Auxiliary, Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Citizens With Disabilities, The American Legion and other charitable foundations.

Founding of JAVELAN

Tim and Mary, along with the passionate support of Charlotte and Bob Dean, founded JAVELAN  in 2017. Charlotte’s service dog is the JAVELAN namesake “Jack”. Charlotte tells everyone that Jack gave her her life back. She teases that if she had to choose between Bob and Jack it would be a hard choice but she would choose Jack. This sentiment shows the impact and importance of a service dog. The McAlpine’s and the Dean’s wanted veterans to have the healing power of service dogs.

JAVELAN began with a vision to serve our nation’s heroes who have served our country, protected our freedom, and paid a heavy price for their service. It began in part due to the stunning realization that our service members were committing suicide at the rate of 22 per day. It was a clear indication immediate help was needed and there was no time to wait for an institutional solution. 

100th Graduate

JAVELAN began as a personal effort to provide funding for service dog training with the goal of graduating a few service dog teams each year.  The 100th JAVELAN Team graduated this year! The McAlpine’s have been genuinely moved by the generosity of our community in support of service dogs for veterans and first responders.

For more information about the JAVELAN Program click here.

For more information about the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

For more information about the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

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