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Ranchers raise resources to feed steaks to soldiers

Posted January 16, 2012

Cattle producers across the nation pooled their resources to help the All American Beef Battalion (AABB) feed steaks to our soldiers. During the Mile High Classic Red Angus Sale on Sunday, Jan. 8, in Denver, Colo., joint owners of the bull, Crs Diamnd 21 Gun Salute, donated him back to the cause and raised another $24,250 for AABB – totaling nearly $37,000 raised for the project including the bull’s original sale and donations.

Cross Diamond Cattle Co. of Bertrand, Neb., sold the bull as Lot 21 in their December sale with all proceeds benefiting AABB. Arcadia Land and Cattle Co. of Stringtown, Okla., Silver Spur Ranches of Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico, and Horsley Red Angus of Stringtown, Okla., purchased the bull, and along with donations, raised $12,500 prior to the Denver event.

At the Mile High Sale, the bull sold for over $12,000 to a group of Red Angus breeders and state affiliates, and donations from the seats exceeded $7,000. The group promptly donated 21 Gun Salute back for the actual sale. Jim Odle, Odle Livestock of Brush, Colo., purchased him for $4,750. That evening, $24,250 was generated, but according to Barry Horsley who headed up the project, more money continues to come in.

“Through our joint efforts, we raised an unbelievable donation to help AABB honor our service men and women by feeding them steaks, but the awareness of their good work is just as important,” he said. “I had people come up to me the next day to contribute.”

Meyer Natural Angus also sponsored a drawing for $100 worth of beef to each of five veterans in attendance whose ticket was drawn from the hat.

To learn more about AABB’s work to honor our service men and women, visit www.steaksfortroops.com.

For video interviews from the "21 Gun Salute" project, visit https://redangus.org/media/videos.

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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Noble, RAAA communication director
(970) 270-4019 • jennifer@redangus.org

Attachments:

(Left to right) Red Angus breeders Barry Horsley and Cheramie Viator presented a check to National Guard Sgt. Dave Callahan who represented all the soldiers who benefit from the All American Beef Battalion steak feeds. Jim Odle (right), purchased possession of the bull, 21 Gun Salute.

The Colorado National Guard presented the colors.

The house was packed for the sale of the bull, Crs Diamnd 21 Gun Salute, that kicked off the Mile High Classic Red Angus Sale in Denver, Colo.

Barry Horsley of Stringtown, Okla., told the story of the All American Beef Battalion as Col. Kyle Gilchrist displayed the flyer. JRA national director Cele Ketchum waited in the background to sing the national anthem.

JRA national director Cele Ketchum of Plevna, Mont., sang the national anthem.

Horsley asked sale attendees to stand in groups as he recognize military veterans, cattle producers and beef consumers until everyone was standing.

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