Slice of Home

2005-06-08
by Linda Braden Albert
of The Daily Times Staff

It's a slice of home for soldiers in far-away places: beef jerky, made right here in Blount County.

Numerous bags of Crockett Creek Beef Jerky have been sent to service personnel, both as outright donations from the Blount County company and through the generosity of other Blount County businesses and individuals. The project has been so well received by both the soldiers and donors that Stan Hitch decided to let the community as a whole participate in the donations, as well.

"What we're trying to do is simplify or make it easy for somebody to buy a soldier a bag of jerky," said Hitch, who founded Crockett Creek Beef Jerky Company along with his father Bob Hitch and brother B.D. Hitch.

Crockett Creek will send a case of 50, one-quarter-pound (4 ounce) bags at its wholesale/fund-raiser price of $185, including a portion of the shipping charge, directly to Iraq. A donation of $5 pays for about one and one-half bags of jerky at the special discounted rate the company provides for military personnel.

"We make sure it gets to somebody that will distribute it and not hoard it up for themselves or barter with it or trade or sell," Hitch said.

The jerky is currently going to Camp Caldwell, but Hitch said if someone would like other posts included, to call the store and make a request or fax information to 984-9677.

A Small Way to Help

Hitch said Crockett Creek began sending the jerky early in 2004.

"We had read the request by somebody in The Daily Times that it was one of the items most requested," Hitch said. "I just knew it was something they liked to have over there. It's a small way to help in a difficult situation, not only that they're getting the jerky but showing that somebody over here cares. That's really what a lot of it is."

The soldiers enjoy receiving the beef jerky, which is packaged in quarter-pound, resealable bags. This is enough to last for two or three days, Hitch said.

Hitch keeps the letters and notes of appreciation received from the military personnel. Specialist Joshua S. Witt of the 844th Combat Engineer Battalion wrote one of the letters, dated Feb. 12.

"I am currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," Witt wrote. "My hometown happens to be Maryville, and growing up, my two best friends and I lived off of Crockett Creek Beef Jerky. Now that I am on the other side of the world, I still continue to receive this wonderful treat in the mail from my caring friends and family. Please know that you are not only making the best beef jerky around, but you are making little slices of home for a soldier in a far off land. Thanks for doing what you do."

To Get Involved

Individuals and businesses who would like to help send beef jerky to soldiers serving in Iraq may donate funds to this project by calling Crockett Creek Beef Jerky Company at 984-1414 or 800-775-4495. The business is located at 2134 US Highway 411S, Maryville, TN 37801. A donation of $5 will provide more than one, one-quarter-pound bag of jerky at the discounted price for military personnel. For more information about Crockett Creek Beef Jerky Company, visit the Web site at www.crockettcreek.com.

Smokies Traveler

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