UPDATED with PHOTOS: National Beef Observes Veterans Day

National Beef Observes Veterans Day with Tribute to Employees

Military veterans receive recognition, inspire donation to national organization

As America’s premier beef company, National Beef is uniquely positioned to bring people together not just over dinner tables, but in the communities in which we live and work. For the first time, the North Baltimore facility is honoring military veteran employees. Eight veterans identified at the facility chose to participate in the event, which included a special meal, complete with patriotic music and  words of appreciation from General Manager Tim Hadding. “They gave their all in serving the country. On Veterans Day, we are honored to serve them a special meal in recognition of their military service”said Hadding.  National Beef Packing Company, LLC (National Beef) is pleased to make a $50 donation in honor of each to Mission 22, an organization working to end veteran suicide through awareness and treatment.

 National Beef has a longstanding commitment to veterans’ support initiatives. This year’s observance will take place in 12 cities, building on what was originally proposed as a local effort at National Beef’s Hummels Wharf, Pa., facility and adopted across the entire company in 2018.

 “As a National Beef employee and combat veteran, it’s rewarding to work for a company that understands the issues faced by fellow service members,” said Ward Allen, Jr., a Marine Corps veteran with three military tours and a supervisor at National Beef Leathers in St. Joseph, Mo. “The recognition of the service of National Beef employees who’ve served our country, as well as the donation to the important work of Mission 22, brings awareness to an important cause. I hope it also reduces stigma and encourages more treatment for those in need.”

 “What started as a way to recognize employees who not only serve our company, but also our country, has become something that allows National Beef and the communities we call home to rally around a cause,” said Terry Wilkerson, himself a former Army Sergeant and now executive vice president of operations for National Beef. “It’s been rewarding to see the anticipation for this year’s event as we celebrate and appreciate these employees and their fellow service members.”

 “National Beef continues to be a supportive partner, providing a life-saving gift of more than $13,000 to the men and women served by Mission 22,” said Diane McCall, public relations director for Mission 22. “Post-traumatic stress treatment is a huge need for veterans, and the donation from National Beef in honor of its employees helps us meet that need.”

 National Beef will also present its military veteran employees with a commemorative Mission 22 coffee mug and fly a Mission 22 flag on Veterans Day as a token of gratitude for their service to the country and commitment to National Beef.

 About National Beef

National Beef Packing Company, LLC, based in Kansas City, Missouri, has operations in Liberal, Dodge City, and Kansas City, Kansas; Tama, Ohio; Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania; Moultrie, Georgia; North Baltimore, Ohio and St. Joseph, Missouri. National Beef, with approximately 9,500 employees, processes and markets fresh beef, beef by-products, consumer-ready products and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. In fiscal year 2018, National Beef generated sales of $7.5 billion. More information about National Beef is available at www.nationalbeef.com.

 About Mission 22

Each day 22 veterans take their own life. Mission 22 aims to win the war against veteran suicide through awareness, treatment and support. More information is available at www.mission22.com.