Pork Producers Proudly Salute the Troops

April 26, 2008 ~ Downtown Raleigh

Pork producers from across the state converged on Raleigh Saturday to show their support for the military personnel at the Salute to Our Troops. In an event co-sponsored by the North Carolina Pork Council, more than 40 producers and pork industry representatives prepared and served barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs to active-duty and reserve members of every branch of the military and their families as part of the daylong festivities.

George Pettus of Goldsboro, president of the North Carolina Pork Council, was pleased with the support producers demonstrated in this volunteer effort. “It was an outstanding opportunity for the representatives of the North Carolina pork industry to step forward and show our appreciation to the men and women of the military, as well as their families, for all they sacrifice for us,” he said.

The day started with a parade whose beginning was heralded by a quartet of F-15E Strike Eagle jets from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in a flyover of Fayetteville Street Mall in downtown Raleigh. The parade included a succession of military units, marching bands, drill teams, honor guards and military equipment which filled the streets to the cheers of about 50,000 people.

The Other White Meat Tour, a mobile marketing program of the National Pork Board, provided free samples of grilled pork loin to hungry paradegoers and the military at a static display area that featured an array of military equipment from all branches as well as NASCAR Sprint Cup cars. Smithfield Foods donated the loin and it was grilled and served up by pork producers and staff of NPB and the Pork Council.

For the pork producers who volunteered, the highlight of the day was to proudly serve lunch to the men and women of the military and their families. Barbecue sandwiches and hotdogs were served on Halifax Mall which was reserved for military only. The families were also treated to entertainment on the USO stage and an afternoon of fun on the inflatable play ground.

Jimmy McLamb, a pork producer from The McLamb Corporation in Clinton, volunteered along with his daughter and parents. “Our family has been farming in the pork industry for 50 years. We realize that we would not be able to make our living and support our families without the men and women of the military who willingly put their lives on the line to support our freedoms.”

The barbecue lunch was provided through the collaborative contributions of many groups. Prestage Farms and Murphy-Brown LLC donated the pigs for the effort. Indian Springs Fire Department in Seven Springs and Deep Run Fire Department in Pink Hill cooked and prepared the barbecue that was served. The entire cooking effort was overseen by W.G. Simmons of Seven Springs who saw this as an opportunity to work with two groups that had been a major part of his life.

Simmons served for two years active duty with the Army and spent over 20 years with the Army reserves. He also is a retired area specialized swine agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension. “Anything we can do to improve the morale of the troops and thank them for their service, I’m glad to be there,” Simmons said.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Smithfield, NC - based Carolina Packers, the military families were also able to enjoy Bright Leaf hotdogs and chili along with their North Carolina barbecue sandwiches.

Organizers say the "Salute to Our Troops" military-appreciation event in downtown Raleigh was one of the largest of its kind ever in the state.

“As the voice for pork producers in North Carolina, it was important for the North Carolina Pork Council to participate in this worthwhile event and express our gratitude by serving those who willingly serve this country,” said Deborah Johnson, North Carolina Pork Council’s chief executive officer. “Our pork producers were proud and eager to be a part of this special event.”

The North Carolina Pork Council (NCPC) is the statewide advocacy organization that was chartered in 1962 to support producer and allied industry partners within the North Carolina pork industry. Today, the pork industry provides over 46,000 full time jobs and $9 billion to North Carolina’s economy. Representing 2,300 farms, NCPC is both a center of knowledge for pork producers and an advocate for professionalism and high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the pork industry. NCPC provides access to meaningful educational programs and services and leadership in public and industry affairs.