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Mustering support on the home front
Nebraska
Never doubt that one person can make a difference. Consider Nebraska rancher and beef business entrepreneur Tom Maddux. With a few well-placed phone calls and a sizeable donation of his own, Maddux planted seeds for growth of "Beef for the Troops." Targeting National Guard units deployed in the Balkans and the Middle East, the effort is providing a taste of Nebraska to the state's native sons and daughters.
The modest Maddux is quick to admit the idea wasn't his own. But after hearing how folks in a neighboring state had sent dried beef snacks to soldiers serving overseas, Maddux figured Nebraskans wouldn't want to be out-done. He contacted the Nebraska Beef Council and Major General Roger Lempke, commander of the Nebraska National Guard, seeking help. To start the ball rolling, Maddux pledged $1,500 worth of dried beef snacks from his own company--Top Cut, Inc.
Retiring from his Chase County ranch several years ago, Maddux followed a long-time yearning to merchandise high-quality beef. Moving to North Platte, he launched his Top Cut company, establishing his own USDA-inspected processing plant. A variety of beef products, including dry-aged steaks and prime rib roasts are now produced, but Top Cut's first product was its signature "Sweet Beef Sticks." Thanks to Maddux's donation, 50 pounds of beef sticks were sent, earlier this summer, to Nebraska National Guard units serving in Kosovo. More recently, 160 pounds of beef were shipped to units in Iraq.
"We were overjoyed when Tom approached us with his offer. It means a lot when people come to us and want to do something for the troops," says General Lempke. "It might seem like a small thing to most people, but not to us. It's hard to describe a soldier's satisfaction with a taste of home that products, like Tom's, can provide."
According to Lempke, over 300 Nebraskans have completed service in Kuwait and Iraq and returned home. Four hundred Nebraska Guard members served in Bosnia last year, with nearly 100 more assigned to Kosovo. Currently, 290 soldiers are half-way through tours of duty in the Middle East, while 40 more are serving in the Balkans. Lempke anticipates the next rotation of Guard units sent to Iraq will include up to 300 Nebraskans.
Just as Operation Iraqi Freedom requires continued commitment from Nebraska's military personnel, Maddux and "Beef for the Troops" backers are seeking commitment on the home front. A fundraiser was held August 3, in North Platte, to muster support for additional shipments of beef. The event was hosted by NebraskaLand National Bank where an account has been established to receive donations to the effort.
On hand to represent the Nebraska National Guard was Brigadier General Robert Bailey, who called North Platte a fitting site for the promotion of "Beef for the Troops." The city is known for its patriotism, he said, noting the historical significance of the North Platte Canteen which operated during World War II.
"Over the four years that troop trains crossed this country, six million service people came through North Platte. And every train was met with a smile, a hello and a free meal. I suspect North Platte's generosity inspired others across the nation," said Bailey. "The legend lives on, with a new twist, in 'Beef for the Troops.' It's an example of communities getting behind their troops and I hope it becomes contagious again."
Bailey shared excerpts from soldiers' letters thanking Maddux for the donated beef snacks. Bailey also recognized Maddux's role in initiating "Beef for the Troops," presenting him with the National Guard's Homeland Defense Service Award.
A crowd of 750 supporters turned out for grilled prime rib sandwiches served during the fundraiser. Proceeds and donations tallied $2,500 from several organizations including the Nebraska Beef Council, Nebraska Cattlemen and Nebraska Cattlewomen. Nebraska Land National Bank matched that amount bringing the fundraiser's total to $5,000. Added to previous donations, says bank representative Mike Jacobson, the project is nearly half-way to its goal of raising $20,000.
Also present was Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns who called the project positive for soldiers on the front lines, fighting the war on terrorism. He acknowledged support by the beef industry, calling it typical of beef producers to "give back" to community and country. The governor urged others to follow their example.
"We want to keep the drive going and continue to show support for the troops by reaching the goal," said Johanns.
According to Sallie Atkins, Executive Director of the Nebraska Beef Council, the fundraiser has resulted in a statewide effort potentially benefiting all of Nebraska's military personnel serving overseas.
"The Nebraska Beef Council was proud to represent Nebraska's beef producing families by donating $1,000 toward the fundraiser," says Atkins. "Tom Maddux and Nebraska Land Bank created a unique opportunity to provide beef for the troops. They have started something great!"
For more information, or to contribute to "Beef for the Troops," contact NebraskaLand National Bank at 308-534-2100.
Date: 8/26/04
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