The All-American Beef Battalion was established in 2007 with the intent to support the troops fighting the war on terror while promoting American beef. They accomplish this task by organizing and sponsoring steak feeds, entertainment, programs, meetings for service members and their families. To date, the AABB has served more than 100,000 steaks to the troops, and the effort is still going strong.

The cattle industry has been a huge supporter of this event, usually with a donated steer auctioned off at a sale barn or a fundraising event of some kind. For the first time, a purebred seedstock operation is stepping up to the plate and donating a bull to the AABB at their annual production sale.

Cross Diamond Cattle Company, located near Bertrand in central Nebraska, is home to Scott, Kim, Johanna and Marie Ford. The family raises Red Angus cattle, and their sixth-annual production sale will be held at the ranch on Dec. 12 where they have a large offering of bulls, females and horses for sale.

Lot 21 is a special bull in the sale. He will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefited the AABB. The number 21 was selected as a nod to the 21-gun salute used at military funerals. Scott Ford talked about his family's support of the AABB and invites other purebred breeders to follow suit at their own sales.

"As we enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans, we find it too easy to forget the many sacrifices of brave men and women throughout our nation's history in earning and keeping that freedom," Scott says. "We place great importance in honoring those who have served our country and who continue to serve. During the past year, we've become aware of the great work done by the AABB in feeding our troops' hearts with support and respect, while feeding their bodies with outstanding beef. We appreciate the vision of the organization and want to further support the group by donating the proceeds from one of the bulls in this year's sale."

For sale information, you can go to the the operation's website at www.crossdiamondcattle.com.

 "We understand the sacrifice that the troops have made for us in order to protect our freedom," adds Scott. "We have two young daughters, and their success and futures depend on the troops making huge sacrifices away from their own families in order to protect our freedoms. This is a tremendous cause, and our fundraiser is our way to show our appreciation. This is a great opportunity to support a cause that highlights our U.S. military and quality U.S. beef, while keeping the American dream for the next generation."

The Fords host a supper the night before the sale, and Trent Loos, Nebraska rancher, radio personality and motivational speaker, will be the featured entertainment. A donation bucket will be passed around to benefit the AABB that evening, as well.

For more information on the AABB, check out www.steaksfortroops.com.