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Who knew helping others could taste so good? For the past three years, two Britton groups have shown just that by serving a special Veterans Day meal to honor those most deserving of gratitude: veterans.
Kick Ash Smokin’, a local barbecue team, and Snapper’s Dry Bean, a Main Street establishment, have partnered to feed veterans and the community while giving back to local organizations.
The idea started with Tim Olson, leader of Kick Ash Smokin’ and a longtime barbecue enthusiast who’s competed in cooking competitions for decades. In 2022, Olson realized Veterans Day fell on a Sunday, leaving local vets without a free meal to enjoy that day. Inspired by his family’s military ties—his daughter Shayla served in the National Guard, while his grandfather and uncle served in the Army and Navy—he wanted to give back.
He thought using his talents to feed that special group would be a good idea, Olson said.
To bring the idea to life, Olson reached out to his friends Anita and Snapper Strong, owners of Snapper’s Dry Bean. Their response was immediate.
“When I mentioned it to them, they instantaneously said yes about helping with a meal,” Olson said. The business owners also had family members who had served and loved the idea of providing something for veterans.
The group agreed that Olson would cook the meat and the Strongs would provide sides and the venue. Over the years, they have cooked up some impressive fare, including roast, ribs and even chicken fried steak this last year. Olson added he gets plenty of help from his family cooking plus there have been many volunteers who help serve the meal.
The meal has been very well-received over the years. Hundreds of veterans, their families and community members have come out to enjoy the special event. The organizers say they are happy to not only serve food but provide a venue for veterans to visit and reminisce on their time in the service.
“It’s not just about them chowing down the meal. It’s also become about the old guys telling stories to each other and visiting,” said Olson.
Snapper agreed. “They all have a story. It’s fun to listen to them share it.”
A key part of the Veterans Day meal effort has been deciding which organization should benefit each year. From the start, Olson wanted the event to support local causes. While the meal is always free for veterans, the community is invited to contribute a freewill offering, which has resulted in around $5,000 in donations over the past three years.
In its first year, the funds went to the Marshall County Ambulance. The following year, donations supported the Veterans Memorial. Olson noted that any leftover food from the event has also been donated to the local food pantry each year.
Last year, the Veterans Day meal proceeds supported American Heroes Outdoors TV, a non-profit organization with strong local ties. The group provides veterans and first responders with guided hunting and outdoor excursions, featured on its TV show, which airs regionally and nationwide. All guides and staff are volunteers, including Scott St. Sauver, a northeast South Dakota native.
A veteran with 38 years of service, St. Sauver dedicates much of his time to helping fellow veterans through American Heroes Outdoors, serving as a guide and assisting with fishing trips and events.
Familiar with St. Sauver’s involvement, Tim Olson worked with St. Sauver’s father, Jim, to finalize the decision to dedicate the 2024 meal’s proceeds to the program.
St. Sauver expressed his gratitude for the support. “What Tim and the others are doing is phenomenal,” he said. “Their dedication is something special. These folks don’t have to do this, but they do.” He emphasized that all funds raised went directly into producing content that highlights and supports veterans.
Olson and the Strongs are already planning this year’s event, which will once again take place on Veterans Day. While the 2025 recipient has yet to be chosen, they remain committed to finding a deserving local organization even as they serve a great meal to veterans and the community.
“These vets sacrifice a lot,” said Snapper. “The least we can do is provide a meal. We hope to keep this event growing and encourage others to join us.”
