Oak Grove Community Rallies for Annual 'Hams for Heroes' Event

Hundreds of Easter hams and sides distributed to military families in southwestern Kentucky.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph shot through condensation or rain-streaked glass, depicting a warm, blurred scene of volunteers distributing Easter meal packages to a group of people, conceptually representing the community spirit and holiday celebration of the 'Hams for Heroes' event.The annual 'Hams for Heroes' event brings the Oak Grove community together to provide Easter meals and support for local military families.Oak Grove Today

Dozens of volunteers and community organizations in Oak Grove, Kentucky gathered on Thursday for the annual 'Hams for Heroes' event, distributing around 630 Easter hams and side dishes to local military families. The holiday meal packages were made possible through donations from businesses, governments, and the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee.

Why it matters

The 'Hams for Heroes' event is an annual tradition that provides a meaningful way for the Oak Grove community to show appreciation and support for active duty military members and their families, many of whom are stationed at the nearby Fort Campbell Army base.

The details

The Easter hams were sourced from Hampton Meats and distributed along with a selection of sides like green beans, corn, and macaroni and cheese. Volunteers, including local politicians, helped make the event a success. After the holiday weekend, the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee will also be participating in the upcoming Paint and Skate event at the Hopkinsville Skate Park on April 11th.

  • The annual 'Hams for Heroes' event took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Paint and Skate event at the Hopkinsville Skate Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Shannon Lane

Director of the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee, which organized the 'Hams for Heroes' event.

Hampton Meats

The company that sourced the Easter hams distributed at the event.

Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel

One of the sponsors that helped make the 'Hams for Heroes' event possible through donations.

Eagle Ambassadors

A group of volunteers who assisted with the distribution of the holiday meal packages.

Todd, Christian, and Trigg County Governments

Local government entities that provided sponsorship funding for the 'Hams for Heroes' event.

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What they’re saying

“Around 630 hams were distributed.”

— Shannon Lane, Director of the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee

What’s next

After the holiday weekend, the Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee will be participating in the Paint and Skate event at the Hopkinsville Skate Park on Saturday, April 11th.

The takeaway

The annual 'Hams for Heroes' event demonstrates the Oak Grove community's strong commitment to supporting local military families, bringing together businesses, governments, and volunteers to provide a meaningful Easter meal and holiday celebration.