Support Our Troops Poker Run Registration Open

Embraced by the local community at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri for the past 17 years, the Support Our Troops Poker Run opened registration today. The 18th annual event, which is organized by Big Thunder Marine and benefits the locally based nonprofit H.E.R.O.E.S. Care veteran services organization, is set for Friday, June 20.

Returning this year on June 20, the Support Our Troops Poker Run is among the most beloved events at the Lake of the Ozarks. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

The run starts from Dog Days Bar and Grill in Osage Beach and makes multiple stops at various waterfront haunts throughout the day.

The entry fee is $150. All proceeds go to the charity. To date, the event has raised $328,000, according to its website.

The patriotic one-day event benefits a local veteran services organization.

Some 50-plus boats joined the 2024 event, which raised more than $22,000 for the H.E.R.O.E.S. Care program. The organizers make sure that all interested veterans, as well as active military service men and women, have rides for the day with participants.

“I did not serve, but my Grandfather served in the Navy in World War II,” Mark Maasen said. “My wife’s father was in the Marines and her son is currently in the Air Force,” said longtime Support Our Troops supporter Mark Maasen of locally based Poly-Lift Boat Lifts after last year’s event. “We’ve always had the upmost respect for our military.”

Would-be participants can click here to sign up.