Saint Paul to Iraq April 15th, 2007
In March 2006, more than 2,500 Minnesota National Guard troops were called to active duty in Iraq. After giving them a proper send-off with Saint Paul to Camp Shelby, the Serving Our Troops team concluded that another special message from home was in order – Saint Paul style. On Sunday, April 15th, 2007, “Saint Paul to Iraq” successfully delivered nearly 12,000 specially cut, home grown steaks to over 2500 of our Minnesota National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq, as well as other troops from across the United States. Members of the Serving Our Troops team journeyed across the Atlantic to complete the shipment and even grill some tasty steaks for the troops. It was a true meal from home.
Back home in Saint Paul, after a free Twins game the evening prior to the event, over 4000 family members were also treated to a Saint Paul Sunday steak dinner with all the trimmings, complete with entertainment, special guests, and much more at the Wilkins Auditorium. Most importantly, our troops in Iraq dining on delicious 12-ounce steaks from Saint Paul were linked via live video with their families dining in Saint Paul. For the first time in more than a year, these Minnesota Guard members shared a meal with their families.
Supported by citizens and businesses from across Saint Paul and Minnesota, along with over 200 volunteers, Saint Paul to Iraq was a special message from home – a warm statement of unconditional support for our Minnesota troops from the people of Saint Paul. With over $500,000 raised in cash and in-kind donations, Saint Paul stepped forward with a unique thank you for our troops in harm’s way. It was indeed a simple thing - dinner with the family.
