Friday, October 03, 2025
Two Ozarks Electric Cooperative linemen, Ethan Murphy and Grayson Jarnagan, are on the trip of a lifetime. They will be in Guatemala until October 17, 2025, as part of Operation Razorback, a statewide effort organized by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and coordinated under the umbrella of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International.
The mission: to bring electricity to a small, remote village where more than 30 families have never experienced it before. Working alongside 14 other linemen from cooperatives across Arkansas, the team will build approximately 4.5 miles of primary line and one mile of secondary line, install transformers, and run service drops to individual homes. They will also wire each dwelling for a single light and receptacle, basic infrastructure that will make a life-changing difference for families who have never had access to reliable power.
“It’s going to be really challenging, and we will be away from home for a really long time," Murphy said. "But I think it’s worth it, because we’re getting to use our talents to bring basic necessities to people who have never had them before.”
Despite the obstacles, the team knows the impact will be worth the effort. Reliable electricity will improve the quality of life for the village by enabling electric lighting, cooking, refrigeration, and appliances. These basic conveniences not only make daily life safer and more comfortable, but they also reduce costs compared to other energy sources and create opportunities for economic growth.
Murphy and Jarnagan are representing Ozarks Electric alongside linemen from First Electric, C&L Electric, Mississippi County Electric, North Arkansas Electric, Petit Jean Electric, Southwest Arkansas Electric, and Woodruff Electric. The project is being led by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC).
Their dedication reflects the cooperative spirit: using skill and teamwork not only to serve members at home, but also to extend the power of electricity to those who need it most around the world.