Chewing The Cud

This is an article I wrote for a few publications last week that is gaining national traction. I hope you enjoy it. Also, I'm pleased to announce that I will be serving as the Press Secretary for the Steaks For Troops organization. I'll keep you all posted. Check out their website, or better yet, why not buy a soldier a steak today?

Slipping on a crisp apron, the confident chef grabs his gleaming stainless steel grilling tools. He lights the coals and lays his tender beef cut on the grill. The steak sizzles as the fire dances below. As the succulent steak is finished to a perfect medium rare, the chef knows he will soon bite into a little piece of heaven.

Americans often take for granted the luxuries and conveniences of a free world: electricity, water, clothing, shelter, and food. Knowing that farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to providing food and fiber to feed the world, it is also important to remember the troops fighting oversees to protect our liberty and our freedom. For 228 years, over 600,000 people have given their lives to protect America’s many freedoms.

Plan Into Action

This was the idea behind Vietnam veteran and cattle rancher, Bill Broadie, in his plight to send steak suppers for the troops overseas. With a passion for the Service and for the cattle industry, Broadie soon realized he could combine his two loves into a plan of action to make a huge impact in the world.

“From serving our country in Vietnam, I realize the tough conditions our men and women are experiencing overseas,” said Broadie, who served with the 3rd Marine division in Vietnam in 1967. “I’m an old mud veteran, and I don’t want our troops treated the way we were. What better gift could you give to a soldier than a slice of American beef?”

Broadie took this concept by storm and, along with a dedicated board of directors, he established the All American Beef Battalion in Aug. of 2007. Their vision is to, “Support the troops fighting the war on terror while promoting American beef.”

“We will provide steaks to the troops upon deployment and their homecoming,” said Broadie, a fourth generation cattle rancher. “As our organization progresses, we hope to grill for the troops directly at the combat zones. Money has already begun to pour in support of our efforts.”

Establishing a non-profit organization of this magnitude is not easy. In his letter to the president asking for support of this organization, Broadie wrote, “A group of individuals involved in the beef industry want to show support to the many troops who are fighting the war on terror. We believe the best way to show this support is for the beef industry to put together a steak feed for ALL the troops in combat zone.”

How to Get Involved

After months of trial and error, hard work, and dedication, the All American Beef Battalion has gained its non-profit status, set up their website and is now taking donations. The organization expects to hold its first steak feed this spring. Potential projects include sponsoring steak feeds, entertainment, programs, meetings, and projects with Service members and their families.

“The success of the troops requires the support of all Americans, and each American should do a part to help, said Jim Odle, Chairman of the organization. “Our organization is here to help Americans show their support by helping raise funds to aid the programs of the All American Beef Battalion.”

This organization serves as a great outreach program for farmers and ranchers to get involved with a charity that also promotes their industry. To donate or learn more, check out www.steaksfortroops.com

With the strong determination and hard work ethic of seasoned agriculturalists, this organization will certainly supersede the expectations of their mission to support the troops, promote the beef industry, and give American citizens appreciation and respect to those individuals that serve this country.

Imagine that sizzling steak, grilled to perfection. Great tasting beef is just one of the many luxuries Americans have come to love and enjoy. An American beef steak, provided by the All American Beef Battalion, is the perfect way to say thanks to our troops for protecting our freedom.