Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) volunteers recently put their large-scale feeding ministry into action at Camp Robinson, preparing and delivering meals for more than a thousand National Guardsmen and cyber professionals participating in Cyber Shield 2026.
Cyber Shield, a cyber training exercise of the Department of Defense, brought together more than 1,200 participants from 44 states and 23 countries. Sponsored by the National Guard Association of Arkansas, the opening-day lunch on July 12 gave Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers an opportunity to serve those participating in the weeklong training event.
Beginning around 5 a.m., volunteers prepared approximately 320 pounds of pulled pork along with baked beans, potato salad, buns and cookies before delivering the food to Camp Robinson ahead of lunch.
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief Director Randy Garrett said opportunities like this help Disaster Relief teams stay prepared by allowing volunteers to practice large-scale food preparation, test equipment and strengthen teamwork before they’re needed during an actual disaster response.
“One benefit is that it keeps us current,” Garrett said. “It gives us a chance to make sure our equipment is working, our volunteers stay sharp and we’re ready if we’re ever called to respond during a disaster.”
The meal was served as participants began Cyber Shield’s first day of activities, which included a Hack the Box challenge designed to test participants’ ability to identify vulnerabilities, solve cybersecurity problems, conduct research, collaborate with teammates and strengthen defensive cyber skills. Throughout the exercise, participants also take part in classroom instruction, hands-on cyber operations, and team competitions.
Although preparing more than a thousand meals required an early morning and plenty of hard work, Garrett said volunteers were grateful for the opportunity to serve.
“They do a wonderful job,” Garrett said. “We enjoy doing it because it gives us another opportunity to help people.”
Whether serving communities after tornadoes, supporting first responders during training exercises or providing meals to National Guardsmen at Camp Robinson, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief remains committed to meeting practical needs while sharing Christ’s love.
Upcoming trainings
ABDR has two regional training events planned for the remainder of 2026. The trainings offer a firsthand look at how ABDR brings help, healing, and hope to those affected by disaster as volunteers follow Christ’s example of meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
The two training events are:
- August 15 – New Life Baptist Church in Alexander
- September 5 – Cross Church Pinnacle in Rogers
For more information on ABDR or to register for trainings, visit abscdisasterrelief.org.