When Legacy Stepped Forward

When Legacy Stepped Forward

June 30, 2026

Today already felt big.

This morning at 10:30 in Salina, I officially signed the paperwork to establish the Trooper Ben #HelpMore Foundation. I wrote the first check for $2,000, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation matched it. Just like that, the foundation began with $4,000.

I thought that would be the story of the day.

Then Brian happened.

Brian owns Legacy Roofing here in Salina. Earlier this year, Legacy Roofing replaced the roof on my house, and I was beyond impressed. They arrived early, finished a large roof in one day, and left everything clean when they were done. No mess, no debris, no nails scattered around. Just good work done with care.

A couple months ago, Brian asked if we could visit because he wanted to learn more about the foundation I was hoping to create. We sat down, talked about the vision, and before we left that day, he told me he wanted to help when it became real.

Today, it became real.

After the paperwork was signed, I texted Brian and let him know I was in Salina. He welcomed me over, and we talked about the foundation, where it was starting, and where it needed to go.

That is when he reached into his desk, grabbed his checkbook, and started writing.

A few moments later, he handed me a check for the Trooper Ben #HelpMore Foundation.

$2,000.

Wow.

Just wow.

I have talked many times about wanting this foundation to be about legacy, so there was something pretty meaningful about the first local business donor being Legacy Roofing.

That was not lost on me.

Legacy Roofing did not have to become part of this story. But today, they did.

A good person saw something good beginning and decided to help it grow.

Brian, thank you. Legacy Roofing, thank you.

This morning, the foundation started with $4,000. By the end of the day, it had grown to $6,000.

That is how good spreads.