What began as one man’s desire to make a difference has now sprung into an industry making an impact, one meal at a time.
Bill Broadie of Ashland, Kan., has the grit and determination most servicemen strive for; instead of being a sharpshooter for the U.S. Marine Corps, he is now a servant of the troops. You may remember his name associated with the All American Beef Battalion – www.steaksfortroops.com – a group he inspired to creation as he set out to feed every American serviceman and woman a steak dinner.

The last time I wrote about Bill, he hadn’t fed the first bite of meat. Since then, I’ve fielded several calls from a man who is on an emotional roller coaster as he travels the country feeding troops who are either coming home from Iraq or deploying to fight in the less-than-popular war on terror.

As I listened to this Vietnam veteran describe each steak dinner event, the emotion in his voice was palpable. Of the recent event in Billings, Mont., he described the atmosphere and the families of a National Guard unit as they were eating their last meal together before they deployed. He said the soldiers were excited about heading out to war and were upbeat and positive, while their families were silent, somber and clingy.

He said it took him back 40 years, when he left his young family to fight in Vietnam. He knew exactly what these young men and women were headed into and really wanted to put his arms around them and keep them home. Yet, he also knew the excitement they were feeling about serving their country: highs and lows, laughter and tears, pride and humility. He felt more emotion in one day than he had in years.

The same emotions are felt at the homecoming steak dinners, but by opposite sides. When the troops come home to a steak feast, they are quiet, reserved and somber, while their families are overjoyed. The soldiers have seen more in their tour of duty than most people will see in a lifetime. So much has gone on before their eyes that no human being should have to endure.

Because of Bill’s compassion for soldiers and love for the beef cattle industry, he has combined his two worlds into one, with the help of a few good men. Bill and his board of ag industry all-stars have dropped a rock into a pond, creating a ripple effect throughout the country.

With donations coming from every corner of the U.S. and willing volunteers stepping up to serve the meals and grill the steaks, Bill has been blessed with steak donations from several beef companies.

Imagine men and women setting up tables, putting out food, standing over hot grills and serving a meal with an encouraging smile to military families they don’t know and will probably never see again. Could I imply it just may be the last hot meal for a soldier? Could those compassionate volunteers be the last friendly smile they see for months? Could that pat on the back and strong hug be one of just a few they will feel?

To you and me, it’s just a good steak dinner. To those soldiers, it’s a hot meal with a warm family.

To Bill Broadie, it’s an industry giving back just a pittance of what is owed to a strong, brave and unselfish generation of men and women who are proud to be called Americans.

Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.