Annual Fallen Hero Barbecue to be Held at Lafayette High School

Three years ago, Lafayette High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) started a benefit barbecue to honor a fallen former cadet, Peter Navarro, who was killed in action overseas. U.S. Army SPC Navarro was a 2003 Lafayette High School graduate.

Read about last year's barbecue:  Fallen Heroes to be Honored with Barbecue

This year, Brendan Donahue said the group will host the third annual Navarro Patriot BBQ, with the proceeds going to recreational therapy facility, Camp Hope, and in honor of Pfc. Christopher Neal White, USMC. Donahue is a senior at Lafayette High and commander in the AFJROTC program at school.

The barbecue will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20 in the parking lot of Lafayette High, 17050 Clayton Road, which is located near the corner of Clayton Road and Missouri Route 109 in Wildwood.

Camp Hope is located in Farmington, MO. Camp Hope is an organization with the mission to reintroduce the outdoors to disabled veterans, assisting them to continue their rehabilitation doing things they loved before their injuries or illnesses. There is no charge for veterans regarding the facility.

Donahue said the popular display vehicle, The American Spirit Mustang, will be joined this year by a customized, class Chevy truck from the St. Louis area:  Fallen Hero's Dream Ride. The truck is dedicated to Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Vinnedge, who died in action on Oct. 13, 2010. He was from St. Charles, MO. 

At this year's barbecue, there also will be a car show with trophies awarded. 

Food prices for the third annual Navarro Patriot BBQ are:

• Pulled Pork Meal $7
• Hamburger Meal $6
• Brat Meal $6
• Hot Dog Meal $5
• Sandwiches only; deduct $1 from the respective meal prices.
• Soda/Water/Coffee $1
• Chips 50 cents
• Cookies $1

T-shirts for Navarro and those specific to Camp Hope and the Fallen Hero's Dream Ride also will be sold.

Additionally, the Ballwin Post Office on Manchester Road will be dedicated as the Navarro Post Office at 10:30 a.m. the day before the barbecue event, on April 19.

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