Fort Leonard Wood plans to hold its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration Nov. 28 in 10 warrior restaurants across the installation, with meals for service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of Defense ID cardholders, Gold Star families, retirees and their families.
According to Beverly Leggett, Installation Food Program manager, plans are set to serve more than 12,000 meals during the lunch celebration, and 33,000-plus meals throughout the day — using 10,000 pounds of turkey, 3,000 pounds of shrimp, 3,500 pounds of prime rib and 30,000 assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.
More than 800 food-service employees prepare the feast and serve it alongside senior leadership, Leggett said.
“I consider the Thanksgiving meal on Fort Leonard Wood to be the ‘Super Bowl of Food Service,’ which highlights the talent and commitment of food service professionals and the comradery we see displayed across the installation,” Leggett said. “Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with family and friends, and for every service member training here on Fort Leonard Wood, their table will look different — the faces will be different — but the warmth felt will remain the same. It is with great honor that for every slice of turkey, candied sweet potato, assorted salads and delicious festive desserts, we serve those who serve.”
The Thanksgiving Day meal for DOD ID cardholders, retirees, Gold Star families and veterans with access to the installation is from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Bldg. 6111, located on Indiana Avenue, Leggett said.
The Bldg. 3223 Army Warrior Restaurant near the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence NCO Academy — commonly referred to as Tony’s — will serve their Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 27. They will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen with the breakfast meal Nov. 29.
The Thanksgiving holiday meal rate is $11.40 for all visitors, except spouses and other dependents of service members E-4 and below, who pay the discounted holiday meal rate of $8.45.
Leggett said she is grateful to be part of “an amazing team” at Fort Leonard Wood.
“To serve a community on Thanksgiving shows the dedication and excellence of the staff for each warrior restaurant,” Leggett said. “It is that commitment which allows the spirit of Thanksgiving to shine through in service for each customer throughout the day.”