This Saturday at Cooper’s Landing, the smells of local food trucks and the sounds of live music filled the air as the 4th annual “Life Jackets for Veterans and Pets” program hosted by the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation (USTF) took place. Free life jackets were distributed to participating veterans and any pets who wanted to go for a swim.
Susan Haynes, USTF national director, said Cooper’s Landing was the perfect location for the USTF to hold a life jacket distribution event.
“We’re looking to do this around the Fourth of July and Richard King has been so gracious to host us here at Cooper’s Landing, which is a great place for people to park their boats and enjoy the water in the surrounding area,” Haynes said.
On a table at the entrance was an advertisement for a veterinarian and a free life jacket for pets. KOMU reporter Channing Headley
The program included dedications to the South Boone County Fire Protection District, the Columbia Fire Department and the Highway Patrol Marine Division. Marine Enforcement Specialist Tyler O’Brien, who attended, said the event conveyed an important message.
“Any time we can promote safety on the water, that’s a big thing we should be a part of. Life jackets are the No. 1 way to save a life, so anything we can do to promote that, we’re all for it,” O’Brien said.
Susan Haynes presents Tyler O’Brien with his USTF frame. KOMU Reporter Channing Headley▲
For Haynes and the USTF, meeting new pets is a fun experience, but she said her favorite part of the program is getting to recognize local emergency responders.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to bring all our emergency service members together here and thank them for their service to the community and our state,” Mr Haynes said.
Though this is the fourth annual event, the importance of coming together feels most acute following the recent passing of Boone County Deputy Fire Chief Matt Tobin.
“This year was different from previous years in that we not only had the opportunity to distribute life jackets, but we also had the opportunity to honor Matt Tobben, a young firefighter who lost his life during a whitewater rescue a few weeks ago,” Haynes said.
The USTF presented Matt Tobben with a water rescue throw bag, said his loss was “heartbreaking” and that he had made the “ultimate sacrifice.”
