Colorado Corn

Corn Growers members volunteer for duty

The All American Beef Battalion, Colorado Corn, M&M Co-op, and students from Idalia High School worked as a well-oiled machine to set up tables and serve steaks to troops returning from duty in Iraq and their families at Ft. Carson. More than 1,200 soldiers, spouses, sons, and daughters enjoyed the Oct. 17 event.

“The smiles of the troops attending the event expressed gratitude as well as any words could have. Be assured the soldiers and their families also said thank you for our role in making this event possible,” said Mark Sponsler, CEO of Colorado Corn.

Kenny and Linda and their children Tyler and Shyanna were among the countless soldiers and their families at the event. “Being home means everything,” he said.  “We had steak over there, but this is very good.” Linda said “It feels good to have him home and all in one piece.”

Steve Scott, president of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, addressed the troops and their families. “On behalf of the Colorado Corn Growers that supply corn for the cattlemen and the Colorado Livestock Association, we thank you for your service to our country. We salute you.”

For many serviceman, simply returning home was “awesome” and their families said it was “wonderful to get back to normal.” All of them were grateful for the Steaks for Soldiers event.

“It was their opportunity to literally get a taste of normal life after returning home to the U.S.  From our tee shirts to the smiles we wore, we let people know Colorado Corn is a remarkable and conscientious organization,” said Sponsler. “Our friends in the livestock industry also noticed we were supporting them in serving steaks to soldiers.”

Among the Colorado Corn volunteers who helped with this great event were Steve and Darlene Scott, Byron Weathers, Doug Melcher, Mike Lefever, Steve and Kristie Firme, Steve and Jackie Klee, John Cure, Kenny Helling, Calvin Melcher, Nathan Weathers,  Joe Sponsler, Mark Sponsler, and Bob Kjelland.

“The Idalia High School Student Council students were exemplary in their service to our troops, and they were enthusiastic as they went about their tasks,” added Sponsler. The school rescheduled two athletic events to allow the following students to participate in the Beef Battalion event: Clay Blankenship, Will Helling, Adam Marostica, Logan Ramseier, Landon Shaffer, Samantha Cure, Kindsey Madsen, Sydney Weyerman, and Mikaela Waitman.

“The volunteers from M&M Co-op were enthusiastic and professional and comments from service personnel made it clear they appreciated our efforts. There is no question that M&M Co-op made a huge contribution to the All American Beef Battalion,” continued Sponsler. “It was heartwarming to make a difference in the lives of others. We thank M&M Co-op for taking the time and traveling the miles last Saturday to participate, and we were proud to work alongside them at this event.” M&M Co-op volunteers were Steve and Jackie Klee, Mel and Jackie Domine, Jim and Lori Nolan, Jim Gareis, Monte Keil, Jason Hovey, Lisa Hageman, Mark Anderson, and John Ptacnik.

Thanks to the Beef Battalion and corn growers. This meant a great deal to our soldiers to see our U.S. people are there for us,” said Battalion Commander LTC Doug Cardinale.

Colorado Corn and a number of the organization’s leaders provided generous financial contributions to fund the Steak for Soldiers event.