This article is part of the Summer 2026 edition of the Volunteer Newsletter, a quarterly update meant to equip, empower and encourage RMEF volunteers. More articles are available on our dedicated Volunteer Newsletter page.

What started as a trip to the doctor and a Bugle magazine led to a banquet attendee becoming a Chapter Chair and then a State Chair with a whole lot of passion. Nearly two decades ago, Charlie Cook visited his doctor’s office in St. Joseph, Missouri. After checking in, he sat down and picked up a copy of Bugle from the table in the waiting area.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Charlie (on the right in the photo above) quickly realized RMEF was an organization he wanted to know more about. Days later, he learned the local St. Joseph chapter had an upcoming banquet and decided to attend. When Charlie went that evening, he was unaware that a volunteer’s invitation to a follow-up meeting would lead him to join the committee next year.

He soon became Merchandise Chair, marking the start of his volunteer journey. The following banquet year brought a challenge when the Chapter Chair stepped down, and no one was ready to take his place. When the chapter asked Charlie to step up, he accepted. That decision helped elevate the Pony Express Chapter to a new level.

Charlie owns KPN Electric in St. Joseph and has built it into a successful, well-known business in the community. His days begin at 4 a.m. in the gym, followed by phone calls from customers and employees until the phone stops ringing, all while remaining deeply involved with his three children. The ability to wear many hats in his business carries over into his RMEF chapter, where he leads by example alongside his fellow committee members.

Within a few years of Charlie serving as Chair, the Pony Express Chapter began excelling in fundraising, including one banquet that achieved an 80% net-to-gross return. Charlie has often said that RMEF has the strongest mission among conservation organizations, and that belief drives him and his committee to succeed.

When the Missouri State Chair position opened a few years ago, Charlie was once again asked to lead. He accepted without hesitation and has been an incredible asset to Missouri. He attends numerous banquets and helps wherever he is needed.

“As a Regional Director, I know I can count on Charlie for support, fresh ideas and guidance,” said Missouri Regional Director Eric Farrens. “He has made my transition into the role smoother and more successful.”

“Charlie’s passion for RMEF is undeniable, but what I value most is the friendship we have built over the years,” saidEric Brown, former Missouri Regional Director who now serves as Regional Director for Oklahoma and Kansas. “The leadership he showed with the St. Joseph chapter made it clear his impact could extend beyond one chapter. While I am disappointed Charlie is no longer in my region, I know his leadership, mentorship and passion continue to make a difference across the organization.”

Missouri now has 11 chapters, including the new Macon County Ridge Runners Chapter in Macon. The Mid Missouri Chapter is hosting a gun blitz as a secondary event, and the state will launch a “25 Days of Christmas” calendar program.Cash donations and attendance are both higher than in previous years. Volunteers across Missouri have embraced grassroots fundraising, helping increase donations and banquet participation.

“The state is fortunate to have outstanding volunteers who are passionate about growing their chapters,” said Farrens.