The Oregon Cattlemen's Association and the Oregon Beef Council are donating homegrown beef jerky to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

"It is an honor and a privilege to provide a small taste of home to our courageous troops as they serve and protect our country," said Curtis Martin, president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association.

The organizations are contributing the "treats for troops" in honor of 1st Lt. James Nash of the U.S. Marine Corps. Nash is the son of Enterprise, Ore., rancher Todd Nash. He has been stationed in Afghanistan since July.

Todd Nash said that beef jerky is one of the most commonly requested items for troops.

The organizations also are donating a shipment of beef jerky to Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony Boswell, son of Clark Boswell of Woodburn, Ore. Anthony Boswell also is stationed in Afghanistan.

Clark Boswell originally asked to purchase a box of jerky for his son after tasting sample beef jerky from Oregon producers at an Oregon State University football game.

"This is just a small way for us to express our tremendous gratitude for their service," said Will Wise, executive director of the Oregon Beef Council. "We hope this helps let them know that we are thinking of them."

--Mitch Lies