Fort Leonard Wood will hold its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration in several of its dining facilities on post, with meals for service members and their spouses and dependents, as well as veterans and retired service members.
According to William Moffitt, installation food program manager, plans are set to serve nearly 12,000 meals during the lunch celebration and 30,000-plus meals throughout the day – utilizing 7,328 pounds of turkey, 1,200 pounds of shrimp, 2,000 pounds of beef and 2,000 assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.
More than 300 food-service employees prepare the feast and serve it alongside teams of unit leadership.
“The Thanksgiving meal for food service professionals is our chance to make those trainees and leaders guiding them feel good, and to show our appreciation and understanding of what they are doing to be prepared for what they may have to do in the future.” Moffitt said.
Family and friends are welcome to dine with their military member in the individual’s assigned dining facility from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. However, an RSVP may be required under some unit’s policies.
Veterans and retired service members are invited to enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Double DFAC at 6111 Indiana Ave.
“It’s one of the largest dining facilities in the (Department of Defense),” Moffitt said.
The Logistics Readiness Center Diner, DFAC 3223, will serve the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy and Basic Officer Leader Course Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The 2019 Thanksgiving holiday meal rate is $9.10 for all visitors, except spouses and other dependents of service members E4 and below, who pay the discounted holiday meal rate of $6.80 per person.
“It has always been a memorable day each year seeing everyone slowdown from the high intensity of training to pause and reflect in the American way with family and friends,” Moffitt said. “Seeing the looks of excitement, relief and satisfaction on the faces of trainees and their newly found friends and battle buddies after finishing this feast is a sight to see.”