For troops overseas, a gift of jerky

The packages are small, just 2 or 4 ounces. But for American soldiers serving in war zones overseas, they are a little taste of home, and always appreciated.

Whittington's Jerky, of Johnson City, Texas, is giving its customers a way to show a little appreciation to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Customers can buy a pound of jerky through the "Jerky For Any Soldier" program, and Whittington's will pay to ship it. A network of military chaplains will distribute the treats to soldiers who have little or no support from family or friends at home.

The company ships hundreds of pounds of its handmade jerky to Iraq and Afghanistan each year. To participate in the "For Any Soldier" program, call 877-868-5501 or order online at whittingtonsjerky.com. The jerky costs $26 a pound, or $29.95 a pound for the all-natural variety. *