Omaha Steaks, a long-time sponsor of Bike MS, a two-day bicycling fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Nebraska Chapter, today announced that the company's 2012 team included a group of Nebraska Army National Guard members currently deployed in Afghanistan. The Nebraska-based Omaha Steaks team rode the two-day course originating from Bellevue, Nebraska on September 8 and 9, while the four military members of the team participated virtually on spinning bikes in Afghanistan. The teams generated funds to support the programs, services and research being done by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The inspiration for the dual-location team came from Meghan Prusia, a 7th grader at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Bellevue and her dad, Army National Guard, Lt. Colonel Will Prusia. Meghan wanted to ride in the Bike MS Tour as a member of the Omaha Steaks team and her Dad really wanted to join her. Lt. Colonel Prusia's unit, The Nebraska Agribusiness Development Team 3, however, had been deployed to Afghanistan in May, making it physically impossible for him to participate in the September Nebraska ride.

Team Omaha Steaks		Team Omaha Steaks Afghanistan

The Omaha Steaks Bike MS Team decided that his deployment should not be a factor in his participation and the idea of virtually including Lt. Colonel Prusia and other members of his unit was created. The four members of the deployed team, all dressed in team apparel, rode their spinning bikes and regularly communicated with the Nebraska-based team members throughout the two-day event. In the end, the combined location Omaha Steaks team generated thousands of dollars for the MS Society.

"We have long supported the National MS Society and their ongoing efforts to help those who fight MS every day," said Senior Vice President and Family Owner, Todd Simon. "We were honored that Lt. Colonel Prusia and members of his unit joined our team for the ride this year and we thank them for their service to our country and their support of the MS Society."