FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – On May 28, Don Tyson and Tyson Foods awarded a $75,000 grant to an organization seeking to provide more burial space for military veterans at the Fayetteville National cemetery. The money will be used by the Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation (R.N.C.I.C.) to support the group’s mission of securing nearby land to “insure the cemetery can continue to receive veterans for burial.”

“This gift is an example of our company’s long-running support of the nation’s military veterans and the important work of the R.N.C.I.C.,” said Don Tyson, retired chairman and chief executive of Tyson Foods. “We challenge other local businesses and individuals to join us in supporting this volunteer, non-profit group by making similar contributions.”

“We’re grateful for the support of Don Tyson and Tyson Foods for this important project,” said Roger McClain of the R.N.C.I.C. “This donation will help us continue our ongoing efforts to provide more space in the cemetery for veterans who want to be buried with others who shared the same military experience.”

Opened in 1867, the Fayetteville National Cemetery is one of the first cemeteries established for the re-internment of soldiers who fought in area battles during the Civil War and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has since been expanded to serve as a final resting place for other military veterans.

Tyson Foods and its employees and its employees have been longtime supporters of the U.S. Armed Forces as evidenced by its financial support and donations of food and provisions to the troops. Its corporate policies also support the troops, including providing differential pay for employees who also serve as reservists called to active military duty. The money makes up any difference between their military compensation and the income they normally receive from Tyson.