I’m thankful to have the freedom to pursue my dreams here in the U.S. For that I give thanks to the men and women in our military, who make great sacrifices to protect my freedoms. Too often, these individuals are taken for granted, and we can always do more to say thanks. That’s why I’m so proud to support the All-American Beef Battalion (AABB), a non-profit organization committed to thanking the troops with American beef. Since 2007, AABB has served up more than 125,000 steaks to men and women serving in the U.S. military. At $10/plate, these steak feeds have been exclusively sponsored by rural communities, local businesses, agriculture organizations, and farm and ranch families.
In March, I had the opportunity to meet cattle feeders Kevin and Lori Huber from Irene, SD, who donated a Simmental heifer that was sold at the Yankton Livestock Auction to benefit AABB. The Huber’s son, Lance, is serving in the South Dakota Army National Guard with the 842nd Engineering Company. He is stationed in Afghanistan, and his unit will return home in the fall.
Although it was midnight in Afghanistan, Lance was able to watch, via iPhone, the heifer sell, which raised more than $42,750. He was able to catch every second of the event from a world away.
The Huber family looks forward to Lance's safe return home in September, and will celebrate with a steak feed tentatively planned for October in Spearfish, SD.
It was truly a humbling experience to watch area ranchers step up and support this great cause. Despite a hurting economy, the generosity of rural America to say thanks to the troops is amazing.
For more information on AABB or to make a donation, click here.
It’s hard to describe the emotions that go with a benefit auction and the resulting steak feeds for the troops. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, check out this slide show from the auction. I’m guessing you’ll see what I mean. My question to you is: Will you buy a soldier a steak?
