About 12,000 service members, retirees, veterans, their family members, U.S. Department of War cardholders and Gold Star families enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at Fort Leonard Wood throughout Thursday, the installation said.
Food-service employees ended up using 4,700 pounds of turkey, 4,200 pounds of shrimp cocktail and 6,300 pounds of prime rib, according to the news release.
Beverly Leggett, the Fort Leonard Wood Installation Food Program manager, said about 780 food service employees helped prepare and serve the feast.
“This tradition is about more than food; it is about celebrating together and serving those who have gone before us, whose sacrifices and service continue to inspire our military community today,” Leggett said.
Leaders at the base were seen serving those who attended the lunch.
“When soldiers see their chain of command step forward to serve them, it sends a powerful message, that service is at the heart of what we all do,” Leggett said.