Gary West Meats, Certified Angus Beef Provide Care Packages to Troops

Contact: Jennifer Schertz Certified Angus Beef LLC 330-345-2333, ext. 283 [email protected] Downloadable print quality photo available at: http://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/photos/TroopsWorking.jpg

Gary West Meats, Certified Angus Beef provide care packages to troops

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – April 16, 2009 – More than 200 soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan recently received unexpected care packages, thanks to the generosity of Gary West Smoked Meats of Jacksonville, Ore., and Certified Angus Beef LLC, Wooster, Ohio.

A group of Certified Angus Beef employees with family members serving in the military decided to host a fund-raiser to send care packages, featuring Certified Angus Beef ® brand premium steak strips produced by Gary West Meats, to local troops on active duty. When Gary West Meats heard about the plan, they too wanted to contribute to the cause. Together, the groups worked to raise more than $2,100 through a charity lunch and corporate donations.

“We were happy to join in,” said Paul Murdoch, president of Gary West Meats. “It is a constant surprise how people pull together – even in this Certified Angus Beef employees put together care packages featuring Gary West steak difficult economy – to do good for others. The strips for more than 200 soldiers serving men and women who are overseas on our behalf overseas. could use some support.”

In total, the donations were enough to send steak strip care packages to more than 200 troops from Oregon’s 2-641-AVN unit, the Ohio Army National Guard 1-145th, and the 287th Sustainment Brigade from Kansas, where Certified Angus Beef LLC has a second office. In addition to the gourmet steak strips, the packages featured hand-written notes of thanks to soldiers for their service. -more- -2-

“It’s really an exciting way to show support for our troops,” said John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef LLC. “I’m very proud to be associated with partners like Gary West Meats and employees who are so giving. It’s humbling to be a part of it.”

The effort’s organizers were delighted to hear that their care packages were well- received and appreciated by the troops. A soldier from Oregon, Maj. Ray Hanosek, wrote that the steak strips were “a great reminder of home.”

“I live about 2 miles from the Gary West Meats store in Jacksonville. My kids and I really like going there,” he explained. “Thank you so much for the Gary West beef jerky. I was very happy to receive it.”

One soldier serving in Iraq sent back a note of thanks reading: “I received some packages of Certified Angus Beef ® jerky and thought it was delicious. I have never seen it in my area back home but will be looking for it from now on. I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I appreciate the thoughtful gesture on your part.”

Certified Angus Beef employee Marilyn Conley, who helped organize the fund- raiser and whose son is serving overseas, said she was surprised how successful their efforts were.

“The sacrifices these soldiers have made, along with their families – we just wanted them to know that we’re thinking of them and praying for them,” she explained.

Gary West Meats has been located in Jacksonville, Ore., since 1966, expanding as the business has grown. By 1989, Gary West’s hickory smoked beef jerky was becoming the mainstay of the business with mail order and wholesale accounts reaching across the United States and Japan. The company introduced Certified Angus Beef ® brand steak strips in 2003. Today, products from Gary West Meats are highly prized for their delicious flavor, superior quality, low fat, no additives and minimal use of preservatives.

For 30 years, the Certified Angus Beef ® brand has been world-famous for its exceptional quality and generous marbling. Ten strict scientific standards ensure each bite is full of mouthwatering flavor, tenderness and juiciness. Less than 8% of beef achieves the brand’s benchmark standards. It is proudly offered by more than 13,500 discerning partners across the United States and in 45 other countries.

For more information on the brand or to try Certified Angus Beef ® steak strips from Gary West Meats, visit the “Where to Buy” section and click on the “Mail Order” link at www.certifiedangusbeef.com.