What is the most memorable thanksgiving that you spent while in the military?

SGM Mike Barbieri — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:28:04 -0500

Is there a particular Thanksgiving that stands out from your career? I have many wonderful memories of Thanksgivings spent with Soldiers across the globe both serving and being served chow in austere conditions, but always thankful that they could be spent with family; either by blood or by brotherhood.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 24 at 2015 10:31 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:31:46 -0500

SGM Mike Barbieri, at BCT at Fort Jackson (Tank Hill), SC on 27NOV69. I was still stateside, of course, but it was my first Thanksgiving alone and away from my family. We were still served in the old company sized mess halls and many trainees had their families join them for the Thanksgiving meal, and that made me pretty blue. I got over it, though!

Response by SGT Robert Deem made Nov 24 at 2015 10:39 PM

SGT Robert Deem — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:39:06 -0500

My most memorable Thanksgiving was in Hungary for OJE back in '96. There must have been an agreement that locals be hired for as much of the base support operations as possible. The DFACs where contracted by KBR and staffed entirely by local nationals who had in many cases never seen a turkey. God bless them, but they tried their best.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 24 at 2015 10:45 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:45:51 -0500

1993 - MEC-P, Korea. Was relieved of my watch about 45 minutes after the chow hall was closed. Hoping to grab something, I entered anyway. The Marines on mess duty were cleaning up and already getting ready for tomorrow's meal. Not wanting to bother 'em, I turned back and started up the hill to our billeting. A young L/Cpl chased me down and asked that I return with him. Upon re-entering the chow hall, a Cpl approached me with a plate of food... and asked me to join his Marines for their Thanksgiving meal. Thankful... and humbled to be with family.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Nov 24 at 2015 10:45 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:45:55 -0500

I was going to AIT at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis in 1972. Having graduated college in Boston, turned 21 and enlisted in the Army all within about ten days time had made for a hectic period in my life. I'd stayed in touch with Marc, a friend from college who I knew was from Indy. As luck would have it, he was coming home(to Indy) for Thanksgiving and invited me to have dinner with him and his folks. We made arrangements and on T-Day, he drove out to the Fort, picked me up, and took me to his parents home. We had a fine dinner and visit. Later he brought me back to the Fort and we kind of lost touch for several years. About thirty years it turned out to be. I got out of the service and wound up in Vermont. It happened that he was going to be in Boston on business and we arranged to meet for lunch. Over lunch I told Marc how much I appreciated that Thanksgiving dinner back in 1972. He says to me, "I don't remember doing that!" Well...I sure did.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 10:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:55:22 -0500

Overseas! 2011-12 with my unit !

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Nov 24 at 2015 11:13 PM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 23:13:25 -0500

The most memorable Thanksgiving for my Army career was when I was a young SPC. I was deployed to Kosovo and we had spent the few months building that place from a grassy knoll, to look like a modern day FOB. It quickly got built up by a new company called "Brown and Root" which eventually became the beloved KBR we have all come to know.

They had just completed a massive DFAC on the Camp and it was opened by Thanksgiving. We got to have an outstanding meal, indoors, and it was warm. That was one of the moments that helped me decide the Army isn't all bad and I decided to stay in.

I guess that worked out for me. I am lucky.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 12:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 00:57:57 -0500

So no crap there I was, Kabul, Afghanistan 2003.
Through a chain of unfortunate events, I was marooned in Kabul Thanksgiving week awaiting transportation. As an unattached Civil Affairs guy, I was tasked to secure turkeys for the big day. Not knowing my way around Kabul very well, I picked up a FA PFC as a driver and got ready to go.

Now, I had been in Afghanistan since July, and while I had laid eyes on chickens fairly often, I had yet to see a turkey. Sources told me they could be bought on (you guessed it) Chicken Street, because that is where turkeys are, of course. We were about to set out, when we were intercepted by an O-6 who had heard we were going out. He asked if he could tag along - not much a SSG and a PFC could do but say yes - and off we went.
Upon arriving in the market area of Chicken Street the Colonel orders us to stop. He gets out, and spends 90 minutes buying crap in a local store. Bootleg DVDs, electronics, random randomness...
Anyway, PFC guy and I are getting antsy. We are virtually inundated with kids, and keeping them out of our vehicle was getting difficult. We weren't exactly outfitted to deal with a threat, either. It was about as quiet a time to be in Afghanistan as there was, but stuff still happened. And we were standing there on the street. Guarding the truck. While Colonel guy is buying Afghan stuff. Not doing the mission. I was getting pretty salty.
Eventually, Colonel guy comes back with bags of stuff, wanting us to take him back to the compound.
"Negative, sir. We still have the mission to accomplish."
It took a while, but eventually we found an Afghan selling turkeys. Or at least the Afghan equivalent. Aside from being alive and having a few more feathers, they looked just like the rubber chickens that you can buy in a joke shop. I negotiated a price for twelve of them and started loading the cages. The Afghan guy stops me. "No. No." He says. "No cages, only birds".
Hmmm
So, I grab one and throw it in the back of the Blazer. Obediently, it stands there, looking around.
OK.
So, one by one, I throw the rest in the back. They actually kind of organized themselves into ranks. Just sort of standing there. Maybe this will work. Turkeys are stupid.
Then we drove away.
And those turkeys went ballistic!
Flying around, flapping, feathers everywhere...
It was all I could do to keep them away from the PFC as we made our way back to the compound. The Colonel in the back seat wasn't so lucky.

As we pulled into Gator Alley and the gate, the Colonel jumps out, face red with rage. He is covered in feathers and turkey guano. He tells us that he's "never going out shopping with us again!" Slams the door and storms off.
I can't lie, that was some funny $#!t.
Victory Secured.

I got called on the carpet half-heatedly by the CMCOORD Chief who lectured me for a while. I could tell his heart wasn't in it. Rumor had it that this was high comedy in Flag Country.

That was a lonely Thanksgiving, far from home.
But it came with a great story.
And the turkey was pretty tasty, for a rubber chicken.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 25 at 2015 5:43 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 05:43:03 -0500

2008 Afghanistan...no crap I was there.....just arrived on my FOB a couple of weeks prior and my team SGT and some other Soldiers on the FOB had rounded up these Afghanistan Turkeys. They were some crackhead looking things; nothing like what you see in the states. So it's a lazy day maintenance and other odds and ends, and 1SG (team SGT) wasn't around. And after while, neither were the turkeys. Don't know how he did it without making a lot of noise, but he had killed quite a few turkeys for us and the others on the FOB, They were dressed and all, and when chow time came, go inside and in the heaters were the turkeys. I'll give it to top, he made something out of nothing and it was a ok meal. Hot and fresh with the occasional feather floating around. He made everyone smile that day and he knows he did a damn good job bringing thanksgiving to us over there. I'm just glad that when it was time to rotate I left early enough to skip thanksgiving. Not sure if I could kill a bunch of turkeys. Let alone clean and dress em.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 6:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 06:34:17 -0500

Latvia 2014. We were expecting to have the same type of meals we were getting up until then. About a week out we heard that we would have Turkey ham and a lot of other dishes. The best part though was the day of. The Latvians were going to celebrate Thanksgiving with us, and they arranged for a schools musicians and their dance team to help out. Before we started the meal the musicians played and the dance team preformed a traditional Latvian dance. One of the best surprises I have ever had.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 7:54 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 07:54:33 -0500

I think my 1st one. I was 4 days from promotion and exit from Basic Training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 7:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 07:54:51 -0500

mine was when i was deployed to Bosnia and herzegovinia in 2001. Dfac had the most beautiful display and food was great.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 25 at 2015 8:43 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 08:43:17 -0500

Iraq 2007, roasting three Turkeys bartered for off the locals when we saw them on patrol.
Small patrol base 35 k from the next nearest US outpost, we were alone and unafraid.... And having Fresh Turkey... I had two battalion cooks assigned to me, mostly water boilers for rations.. but they did what they could with what I could get in rations. The Sergeant, was adamant he "Would not allow" THAT food in HIS mess hall (a tent). I will not confirm or deny that said DFAC Sergeant was pointed to the gate and asked whose gate he came though to stand in the relative security of a few hundred T walls guarded by whose company? We came to an agreement, He did not have to participate in prep or cooking, but damn well would be serving them or back to Taji he went (they LOVED being at our patrol base)
Now to his credit, that young Sergeant saw the error in our ways, and prepped the Turkey rations that were flown in that day.. As the commander and I carved the first of three birds we have been feeding in a HESCO "cages" for several weeks.. we realized them damn skinny ass turkeys were not going to feed but a few folks each. So all got a taste of a Warrior Turkey... but the meal came from my DFAC Sergeant.
Thank you Sergeant.
PS no that is not me in the pic.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Nov 25 at 2015 9:07 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 09:07:22 -0500

I remember being at Technical Training School, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, back in 1987. I wasn't able to make it home to WI for the Holiday and pretty much resigned myself to Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dining Facility then back to the student barracks for an evening of TV in the day room. The last day of classes before the two day break, I was walking by the Base Chapel and saw a notice that had several families that would be happy to host one or more of us that were "stuck" at Chanute. My roommate and I called and were picked up by a Senior NCO and he took us back to his place in Base Housing, he introduced us to everyone there and once we adjusted to actually sitting around the table with someone that outranked us so greatly...we had a wonderful dinner and had a chance to just breathe and appreciate their generosity.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Nov 25 at 2015 9:10 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 09:10:04 -0500

I would have to say the one during Desert Storm. We cooked, I was on KP, 32 turkeys, covered them in Mashed potatoes and set them one the tables for decoration. Then had T-rat sliced turkey and gravy with dressing with sliced bread!

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 25 at 2015 10:00 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:00:17 -0500

I was very fortunate when it came to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over a 20 year career I was able to be home with family for all of them. Every one of my deployments started towards the beginning of the year.
I take that back. My first Thanksgiving I was stuck on base, couldn't get home. My friend and I found a USO and had a small dinner for free.

Response by Sgt Dennis Addesso made Nov 25 at 2015 10:26 AM

Sgt Dennis Addesso — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:26:11 -0500

2013. Since I was home for most of my Thanksgiving holidays while in the Corps (except boot camp and my first year in Oki) I would like to share an experience when I was a civilian contractor. I was awaiting a visa to return to the US Embassy Baghdad where I was a radar operator providing operations for the Early Warn System giving a heads up for incoming rocket attacks. I was able to go home every 6 months for 2 weeks. I left in October to attend two wedding and whole on leave Iraq changed their visa process. I returned to Kuwait to await my visa late October. Four weeks later, highly frustrated of the delay and lost of danger pay wages, I was even more irritated that I would be stuck in Kuwait for the holiday. Although I would have missed the time with my family if I was already in Iraq, I was pissed that I would be spending it alone in Kuwait and losing money doing so. As I walked into the DFAC at Ali Alsaleem AF base aka "The Rock", it was like as if reality hit me in the face. Here I am, although a 2x OIF veteran in the USMC, a civilian contractor who is no longer in harms way, per se as much as these active duty heroes, pissed off about losing wages that some of these soldiers, airman, and Marines see in a year, and irritated that I was going to be sitting alone on a day we should be giving thanks. I went inside and say a plethora of butter sculptures... watermelons carved into intricate shapes and animals... harvest decorations throughout. Normally when you came into the DFAC it was more or less a inaudible murmuring and an occasional cough or groan. Not that night. I walked in to a welcoming sound of laughs, cheers, and football games on the 2-3 tvs inside. Everyone was talking to anyone. I sat down at a table that had a few active duty Marines who were in transit to Afghanistan. As I sat down they immediately stuck conversation with me. We talked about home, football teams, and I shared a few experiences when I was in and where I was. The whole experience almost brought me to tears as I walked out after an amazing meal of 3 different types of prepared turkey, corn, stuffing, string bean casserole, sweet potatoes, you name it... it was there. Then the desserts. Oh my.. it was literally a buffet of homemade treats 6 tables long. I ended up going back home for a few weeks after that as there were still issues with my visa, but I will never forget the day a few Marines brought me back to my roots of being in the corps. Someone always has it worse than you. Somewhere someone is happier than you with less than you have. Most of all, Marines take care of their own, even when they don't know they are.

Response by CPL Bryan Claeys made Nov 25 at 2015 10:45 AM

CPL Bryan Claeys — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:45:17 -0500

Thanksgiving of '07 ate lunch in Kuwait and dinner at LSA Anaconda aka Disneyland.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 25 at 2015 2:18 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:18:42 -0500

The one that sticks in my mind the most was Turkey Day 2003. I was in Afghanistan and we had just picked up dinners for those who were working and could not get to the Mess Tent. We got back to the guys and gave them their meals and we went into office area to eat and check on things. No sooner had I sat down when we started getting IDF. I sent all the Soldiers to the bunker, while a couple of NCOs stayed with the equipment. Since they did not sound like they were too close I sat there with some guys and we ate or dinner. I had just got back from grabbing some O'Doul's when our building got hit. Thankfully it landed on the opposite end and no one was seriously injured. We all had headaches for a couple of day and the Doc's just told us to take it easy and take extra strength aspirin. This was before TBI's were a major issue.
Of course this was when we were younger and dumber and had became so use to the IDF that we never expected them to actually hit something. Most of the times they landed out on the airfield or near the shit pit.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Nov 25 at 2015 5:38 PM

SFC Terry Fortune — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:38:15 -0500

I.ve always in enjoyed spending Thanksgiving with my family. It could one of three families, my blood family, military family, or my law enforcement family.

Response by LTC Randy Readshaw made Nov 26 at 2015 8:39 AM

LTC Randy Readshaw — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 08:39:51 -0500

My wife and I were married on Thanksgiving weekend in 1987, shortly after I reported to the 101st Abn Div (AASLT) at FT Campbell. We figured the Army doesn't do anything over Thanksgiving so it would be good planning! WRONG! Our first anniversary I was in Panama for jungle training and the third was in the desert for Desert Shield. So much for good planning!

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Nov 26 at 2015 7:05 PM

SSG Leroy Farmer — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 19:05:05 -0500

What I remember about every single one is that the BN Commander and Sergeant Major along with other senior officers always served the soldiers in the chow line.

However, while at Camp Casey, Korea, I thanked the BN Commander as he places the turkey on my plate he said, I'm the one thankful for you and everyone of you men. " That memory stuck with me and honed the way I felt about my subordinates.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2015 7:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 07:35:42 -0500

Spent one at Ft Carson where the senior leaders of the BDE came to the dining facility to serve Thanksgiving for the guys in the barracks. It was really nice! Also spent a Thanksgiving at Ft Polk on a JRTC rotation. Our state's AG came for a visit and sat with us for a few minutes. It was really nice!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 27 at 2015 10:19 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 10:19:45 -0500

The best Thanksgiving dinner of my life at Monkey Mountain, outside of DaNang RVN.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 27 at 2015 11:16 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 11:16:49 -0500

If I remember right these weren't too bad!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 27 at 2015 11:28 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 11:28:52 -0500

I have fond memories of a fabulous home cooked meal on Thanksgiving at ARAMCO in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1991. Our hosts weren't sure what we would want so they prepared a traditional turkey dinner, a lasagna, a meat loaf, bacon and plenty of non existent fermented liquids. Apparently Allah could not see into the compound any more than he can see into the Royal family's monthly liquor (I mean sealed pouch) deliveries.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2015 2:13 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 14:13:33 -0500

All my C-Rats came in a labeled box, about 8x5x3 inches. Personally, there were times I really looked forward to chomping down on one of them.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Nov 27 at 2015 5:36 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:36:25 -0500

Yes I remember serving Thanksgiving dinner to our Soldiers in FOB Tillman back in 09. We then did borescope and pullovers on the guns there. 1-321 AFAR and 4-25 ABCT Paratroopers rock!!!

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Nov 27 at 2015 6:43 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:43:17 -0500

Thanksgiving, Iraq, Camp Victory 2004. Someone told us to smile and we did. Or at least we thought we did... At Christmas, some of our guys brought Christmas cheer to Baghdad...

Response by SSG Todd Lysfjord made Nov 28 at 2015 1:27 AM

SSG Todd Lysfjord — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 01:27:03 -0500

Orgun-E Afghanistan in 2004...upheld the Turkey Bowl tradition and everything! RLTW!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 3:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 15:48:02 -0500

Iraq. We had each other. While getting receiving mortar rounds every day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 10:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 10:13:27 -0500

In afghanistan we had just started to grab our plates from the chow hall when we received incoming. Everyone went to there appointed locations to conduct counterfire. During the attacks there were two NCO's that was running back and forth from the defac grabbing plates for the sodliers that were in the bunkers, on the gunline and in the toc. They were determined that everyone would still get to enjoy a thanksgiving meal dispite the current events.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 11:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:45:10 -0500

Basrah '09. The turkey was decent but the stuffing, potatoes and gravy were so thick you had to cut them with a knife. Best part about it, my daughter was deployed with our unit as an intel analyst, so at least I had some family with me.

Response by SP5 Robert (Bob) Fiorito made Nov 27 at 2019 8:56 PM

SP5 Robert (Bob) Fiorito — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 20:56:19 -0500

Camp Enri, Pleiku, Vietnam Thanksgiving 1969. Shortly after the change of Command, General Abram's visited our microwave site. The food was pretty good I remember.

Response by SrA Daniel Pacheco made Nov 27 at 2019 9:00 PM

SrA Daniel Pacheco — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:00:43 -0500

I was stationed outside of Kuwait in 1990, when my unit was relieved for 3 days and we went to stay in Riyadh at Eskan Village. And at that time they were having families host soldiers for Thanksgiving, but those had been planned out for a while. Just out of luck a family had said they could host a 100 soldiers but for some reason someone had misread it for 10 soldiers and this family had planned for 100, so nonetheless my Unit along with a unit from the Marines were sent over to this compound for our Thanksgiving dinner. And it was totally what we needed, and we shared stories and some strong friendships were created that evening. I speak to a lot of those guys every year at this time and that bond that was created that Thanksgiving make it a memorable if not most memorable thanksgiving not just while in the military but in my lifetime.

Response by Cpl Jesse Griffin made Nov 27 at 2019 9:15 PM

Cpl Jesse Griffin — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:15:46 -0500

Fifty years ago on Thanksgiving Day I was part of a tank crew that spent the day on a cold and rainy beach close to Hoi An, Vietnam. We had two thirds of a case of c-rations, and Nguyen steadily sniping at us. We spent most of the day inside the tank. The remfs sent out a helicopter with thanksgiving dinner for us, but luke the gook kept him from landing. We were so po'd about that we fired off half of our 90mm "beehive" rounds in the general direction of the sniper. Don't know if we ever got him. It was the shittiest Thanksgiving I ever spent. I've never gotten over that day for the last fifty years. It's always a sucky holiday for me.

Response by PO3 Leon Raven made Nov 27 at 2019 9:21 PM

PO3 Leon Raven — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:21:29 -0500

While in the first gulf war I served as a corpsman with the usmc. We were able to trade some local items to a cook on a gator freighter and proudly procured a fresh turkey. We didn't have a means to cook it so being a corpsman and using our ability to adapt we cooked the Turkey in an autoclave. I don't remember how it tasted but i remember the joy of sharing it w my marines and sailors. Thinking back I'm not sure if I'd cook it in the same way as we did sterilize surgical equipment in the same autoclave.

Response by LTC Gregory Davis made Nov 27 at 2019 9:27 PM

LTC Gregory Davis — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:27:43 -0500

Thanksgiving Day, 1974 about 1900L, I arrived at Co B 94th Military Police Bn at Kaiserslautern FRG as a 18 year old Pvt at my first duty assignment. What a ride I had! Wouldn't change a thing!

Response by SSgt Rick Bond made Nov 27 at 2019 9:52 PM

SSgt Rick Bond — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:52:16 -0500

Sitting on a revetment on DaNang Turkey Day of 68 , eating Turkey out of a Little green can , watching Spook put on a show just outside the Perimeter fence !! I did however have a taste of Kentucky Bourbon , sent to me from home.. God Bless You Dad!!

Response by SSG Cheryl Shell made Nov 27 at 2019 10:12 PM

SSG Cheryl Shell — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:12:08 -0500

Some of the best Thanksgivings I've spent were with soldiers who were stationed where I was stationed and could not go home for the holiday. My husband and I would invite fellow soldiers to our home for Thanksgiving dinner. I grew up in a small family, so it was a treat for me to have so many people to cook for and to sit around the table with for our special meal.

Response by SPC Mo Roger Palmateer made Nov 27 at 2019 10:21 PM

SPC Mo Roger Palmateer — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:21:47 -0500

While Nison promised erery biody A Hot Turkey Dinner, We dot a Heat Tab and turkey "C: ration, not bad after Meals readt eat . I stilli laught about that. Airborne all the way

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Nov 27 at 2019 10:32 PM

PO2 Lawrence Janiec — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:32:53 -0500

When I was on my first ship after the Persian Gulf in 1991, we had Thanksgiving at our home port. Because of duty rotations and people not able to have a particular day/time available, people had their Thanksgivings all weekend long. Myself and 2 other single Shipmates had the weekend planned out so that all 4 days we went to a different house for lunch and dinner. I would have had 8 solid meals that weekend, but I took someone's duty on Thursday so that he could spend it with his wife and kids that day. I didn't even trade duty days for it, I simply asked him to bring me a plate of food for dinner, and he did. That was a great weekend.

- (former) HT2(SW) Janiec

Response by SSgt Gloria Garry made Nov 27 at 2019 10:41 PM

SSgt Gloria Garry — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:41:57 -0500

My first Thanksgiving with guest was my worst cooked turkey ever - I didn't know about the pouch of gizzards, liver, and turkey necks stuffed inside the turkey. Once my ex-husband carved the turkey and got to the turkey breast, surprise surprise, wow... I didn't know that was there. Now, I know.

Response by SP5 Bill Emberton made Nov 27 at 2019 10:43 PM

SP5 Bill Emberton — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:43:10 -0500

Went to Bangkok for R&R from Viet Nam in 1967. Some American families living in Bangkok had signed up to host soldiers for Thanksgiving and I had a great time with a family whose name I do not remember.

Response by PO1 Paul Jungnitsch made Nov 27 at 2019 10:45 PM

PO1 Paul Jungnitsch — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:45:26 -0500

In 1977 I was going through the Navy Nuclear Power School at the A1W prototype in Idaho. I had to ride the bus 90 minutes each way from Idaho Falls to the site. On Thanksgiving day I had a qualification board interview to pass the course. I waited for my turn all day through lunch. The interviews dragged on past the end of day shift. I passed the interview and graduated. But the buses had already left. I had to spend the evening and night in the frigid unheated bunkroom, with no food. All of the few blankets were already taken. Under a bunk in the dark I found a dustbunny-encased food wrapper with two stale chips ahoy chocolate chip cookies inside. That is all I had to eat all day for Thanksgiving in 1977.

Response by SGT Bob Straub made Nov 27 at 2019 10:56 PM

SGT Bob Straub — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:56:27 -0500

My most memorable Thanksgiving while in the Army was spent in Vietnam. I gave thanks at the end of my tour and every year since that I made it out alive.

Response by SrA Ronald Sharp made Nov 27 at 2019 10:56 PM

SrA Ronald Sharp — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:56:50 -0500

spent 2 thanksgivings at , now extinct Clark airbase in the Phillipines , working in an intelligence unit and several of us ate thanksgiving dinner in Angelies city once and the service and oriental turkey was awesome. Several of us somehow have connected and still converse via internet and phone after 50 years. Many of us went from Clark to DaNang and some of my old flicks are truly heart warming to me. Have never trusted any others as I trust each and everyone I served with.

Response by SPC Arnold Verbridge made Nov 27 at 2019 11:06 PM

SPC Arnold Verbridge — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:06:12 -0500

The worst Thanksgiving was when JFK was shot 2 days prior. I was at Ft. Gordon, Ga. training with the first

Response by SPC Arnold Verbridge made Nov 27 at 2019 11:11 PM

SPC Arnold Verbridge — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:11:35 -0500

The worst Thanksgiving was Nov. 22nd 1963 when JFK was killed. I was stationed at Ft. Gordon, Ga. training at the Military Police AIT.

Response by SFC Thomas Peacock made Nov 27 at 2019 11:15 PM

SFC Thomas Peacock — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:15:33 -0500

1973, Ft. Polk, LA, Infantry AIT. I was assigned KP duty and the Mess Sergeant was a particularly snarly curmudgeon. This day as we prepared Thanksgiving dinner he was actually quite pleasant, the meal was wonderful, and it was my 1 and only KP stint during AIT. I did enjoy a sign that was posted on the kitchen wall, 'The Army spends millions of dollars on the finest food and sends their cooks to school to learn how to ruin it.'

Response by PV2 Michael Murphy made Nov 27 at 2019 11:27 PM

PV2 Michael Murphy — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:27:42 -0500

Thanksgiving Day , 1953, Ft. Eustis, Virginia. A few of us, including the great Willie Mays, were playing ball outside the mess hall when one of us drove a ball through a mess hall window. All of us, including Willie, ran like hell. They never did catch us. We enjoyed our turkey a couple of hours later in the newly ventilated dining room.

Response by LtCol Chris Erdos made Nov 27 at 2019 11:38 PM

LtCol Chris Erdos — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:38:42 -0500

As a Marine A-4 Pilot, on our way from Conus to Iwakuni, JA in NOV 1980,
we stopped on Wake Island for three days for fuel, maintenance and rest. Just so happened that Thanksgiving fell on one of those days. I must say that our Squadron, VMA 331, was treated to a well done Thanksgiving Feast with all the trimmings. After the meal, a few of us Pilots gathered some leftovers and proceeded to feed the Sharks that hung around under the bridge that separated the two islands.
Closest thing we had to a pet, so we made do.

Chris “Stitch” Erdos
LtCol (Ret)

Response by Col Ronald Pearson made Nov 27 at 2019 11:58 PM

Col Ronald Pearson — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:58:24 -0500

Thanksgiving 1970. Had the meal in the 12th USAF Dispensary, Phu Cat AB, Vietnam.

Response by CWO4 Richard Kusmierz made Nov 28 at 2019 12:06 AM

CWO4 Richard Kusmierz — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:06:53 -0500

November 1975, I remember walking to the chow hall at NS Subic Bay in water up to my knees. It was right in the middle of Typhon Norma. They had a full spread of a thanksgiving meal. Drum sticks slices breast, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, rolls and bread. I remember they even had a variety of nuts (Walnuts, Brazilian and others). In addition they had live music playing. What a meal. Three years later at Kadena AFB, they had a real turkeys on display when you walked in but they served canned rolls of meat. I was so disappointed.

Response by CWO2 Richard Rose made Nov 28 at 2019 12:21 AM

CWO2 Richard Rose — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:21:09 -0500

My worst Thanksgiving was 1989. I was a geographic bachelor with family back home in Arkansas. I had been invited to have Thanksgiving with a family I had been stationed with for three years 15 years earlier. The day before Thanksgiving I had 24 hour duty as Duty Commo onboard ship. Thanksgiving morning I was relieved by the Communications Officer. It was obvious that he had a bit more adult beverages the previous evening. He had me to come to his stateroom to be told that he was going to hit his rack until noon. He told me to report back at 1300 to go over the Communications Plan for the upcoming underway period. I told him of my invitation with friends. His response was basically, "Tango Sierra, remain onboard and have the comm plan ready." It wasn't an urgent requirement at all and ultimately nothing got changed from my draft. The command climate was the worst I encountered during my career.

Response by AN Andrea F. made Nov 28 at 2019 12:32 AM

AN Andrea F. — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:32:51 -0500

Thanksgiving 1980, stationed at NAS Millington, TN.
Cut my wrists. Fun, fun, fun times in the military!!!

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Nov 28 at 2019 12:58 AM

TSgt Ken Vandevoort — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:58:20 -0500

I was at Hanscom Field, MA in 1967. A civilian family in Natick invited 3 of us for Thanksgiving dinner. We were early and dinner was going to be late, so we went exploring and ended up at the Battleship Massachusetts in Fall River which was now a museum. Since I was the only one with a uniform on, I got on free and bought a card with my photo (in Air Force uniform) that said I was a battleship sailor. The civilian with us had been in the Navy during WWII and briefed me on saluting the flag coming and going and asking permission to come aboard. I used the Battleship Sailor card later on in Turkey when a new Turkish guard at our radio station asked for a pass. He had no clue what he was looking at, but it was my picture in uniform so it was okay with him.

Response by SSgt John McHugh made Nov 28 at 2019 1:06 AM

SSgt John McHugh — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:06:35 -0500

Although I had been in the Air force for 37 months when I arrived at McConnell AFB in November, 1970, I had never been stationed at what you would call a regular Air Force base. Previously, I had been at a small site in Terre Haute Indiana, and then, Shemya AFS,Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. My new first sergeant was looking for two volunteers for CQ (Charge of Quarters) duty on Thanksgiving Day. I had no idea of what he was talking about and he explained the duties and said that anyone working one of the two Thanksgiving shifts would earn double credit toward future assignments. Seeing that I had nothing to do that day, I agreed to do both. I imagined laying on the sofa in the TV room watching endless football. That turned out just fine. I was told I could appoint anyone I wanted to take over while I went to meals. I couldn't wait to get to Thanksgiving dinner and was about the first to arrive. Unfortunately, the food didn't look all that great. The cook said that the real dinner was still in progress and that I should come back in an hour. He'd hold a spot for me. When i returned, I was overwhelmed by the incredible array of turkey, ham, two kinds of potatoes, endless vegetables, nuts, pies ... you name it. While the dining staff up in Alaska did all they could under the circumstances, i just wasn't prepared for Thanksgiving 1970. Great memories. Thanks. (BTW, when I went back for supper, there were leftovers and they were almost as good as the originals. I must have put on five pounds that day)

Response by SFC Tom Branham made Nov 28 at 2019 1:09 AM

SFC Tom Branham — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:09:32 -0500

The most memorable for me was In Nov 1965 i was attached to the 2nd Bat of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We were on an operation called New Life. We were supposed to make a jump into Vo Dat but the locals were selling Jump wings with gold stars at base camp so were made a chopper assault a couple of days early we saw where the bad guys had dug gun emplacements waiting for us to drop in. We Hq company, set up in an abandoned village. I was saving up all the good C rats to share with friends for thanksgiving. I was monitoring the PRC 25 when someone said chow is here. The Brigade brought hot chow out to the field. We had turkey and all the trimmings. It was the first time we had hot chow in the field. It made for the most memorable thanksgiving that I ever experienced.

Response by SP5 Cecil Palmiter made Nov 28 at 2019 1:20 AM

SP5 Cecil Palmiter — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:20:24 -0500

I think it was '73. Nixon had let gold and the dollar float so instead of getting 3.80 DM for a dollar we were getting half that. It was hardest on young families that didn't get all the benifits that the lifers got. They were all invited to have a holiday meal in the mess hall. It was good to see the kids filling their bellies.

Response by CPL Aneta McNeil made Nov 28 at 2019 1:21 AM

CPL Aneta McNeil — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:21:11 -0500

I was stationed in Istanbul, Turkey and I lived on the economy not in the barracks because in 1983 not a lot of women were stationed there. Anyway like i said we lived in apartments in town . some of my Turkish neighbor took me to this outdoor meat market anyway he ordered me a turkey for Thanksgiving. The turkey was delivered to my apartment very early in the morning like 4 am. When i opened the door it was a live turkey and the turkish man i had ordered it from. I was shocked to say the least but my turkish neighbor who took me to the market heard me asking in my broken turk-english. He came out took the turkey away when he came back the turkey was ready to cook and so me and some of my fellow soldiers enjoyed a home cooked American. Thanksgiving dinner.

Response by CPT Kevin Spencer made Nov 28 at 2019 1:27 AM

CPT Kevin Spencer — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:27:13 -0500

How about the Thanksgiving my significant other left me while I was deployed, because there was no support mechanism

Response by CPT Kevin Spencer made Nov 28 at 2019 1:29 AM

CPT Kevin Spencer — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:29:42 -0500

You pogues who write this crap are so tone deaf. How many divorces and Dear Johns do you think happen around the holidays? Effin' clueless

Response by SPC John Schembari made Nov 28 at 2019 1:52 AM

SPC John Schembari — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:52:54 -0500

Memorable docent always mean good!
I was serving in Bien Hoa Vietnam 1972 it was my night for bunker guard, like always a jeep came out with our dinner for the evening, hoping for Turkey sandwich instead we got peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I was so pissed knowing my fellow solders had a great turkey meal in the mess hall.
I saved my sandwich and brought it to the commander the next morning and asked is this how you treat our fellow solders protecting the lines? after a short investigation it was learned the cooks gave the left-over turkeys to their girlfriends! for the next 3 days the guards got steak sandwiches.
I learned to always appreciate the troops who protect us as we enjoy our daily lives.

Response by SGT Steve Smith made Nov 28 at 2019 2:27 AM

SGT Steve Smith — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:27:07 -0500

We were served a feast at ft Knox in a huge chow hall, but you could have heard a pin drop. Each of use thinking of home and possibly going to Vietnam

Response by Cpl Alan Welsh made Nov 28 at 2019 2:28 AM

Cpl Alan Welsh — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:28:38 -0500

BEST food EVER!! Back in the very late 1960's we were TAD from MCAS Beaufort, SC to Key West NAS. The night before Thanksgiving, I had the only car and about five of us went looking for something to do, and eat. We found downtown Key West was just about dead because of the holidays. I guess we were a bit too lazy to drive to Miami. Had we known and with a bit more ambition, we could have seen Janis Joplin, and the door's Jim Morrison getting arrested during their concert. However, we did run into this guy who showed us around a closed up downtown Key West. We were all getting hungry, so he told me to drive a few miles away and said he had a great way to get us so food. He directed us to some docks, he went down into a boat that he evidently worked on. He came back loaded down with 2 or 3 grocery bags full of shrimp, and some lobster! We went back downtown to where he was staying, and the six of us must have eaten all 20-30 pounds of that fresh shrimp and lobster! If you ever had really really fresh steamed shrimp before, you'd know just how we could polish off that much food.

I guess in retrospect, that's my Forrest Gump's / Lt. Dan's story! As a tribute to Gary Sinise, here's a great synopsis of his character, that I'm quoting from: https://www.shmoop.com/forrest-gump/gary-sinise.html Just by playing that role, must have given Gary a tremendous amount of understanding empathy for combat vets, to then start helping them, even more than Forrest had helped Gary's character:

-------- Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) ---------
Lieutenant Dan Taylor, Forrest's superior officer in Vietnam, has a lot to live up to. As Forrest tells us, "Somebody in his family had fought and died in every single American war." (Question: wouldn't it be more impressive if someone had fought and lived? Then again, we don't know much about war.)

It's not that Lt. Dan has a death wish or anything. In fact, he's a downright decent guy, and definitely someone you want on your side in a war. He's got two interests: protecting his men and winning the war in Vietnam, and he does everything he can to fulfill those two life goals, including swearing at Forrest to leave him to die when he loses his legs in a firefight.

Forrest, of course, carts off Lt. Dan anyway, and the experience nearly wrecks the guy. Instead of dying a hero, he ends up a wheelchair-bound cripple (in his view). In his own words: "I should have died out there with my men, but now, I'm nothing but a goddamn cripple, a legless freak!"

Gee, don't go easy on yourself or anything, buddy.

Destiny or Bust
Lt. Dan thought it was his destiny to die on the battlefield just like his ancestors. And check out that key word: destiny. If we've learned anything from Forrest Gump, it's that destiny doesn't come pre-installed, like some version of Windows you can't escape. We write our own destinies through our actions; it's not determined by who we are intrinsically. (Think back to Forrest's "stupid is as stupid does.")

So, when Lt. Dan says to Forrest, "Now, you listen to me. We all have a destiny. Nothing just happens. It's all part of a plan!" we're supposed to realize that he's wrong. Thinking that way turns Lt. Dan into a man who's convinced that his life doesn't matter since he's supposed to be dead. As you can imagine, the consequences are not good. He ends up sliding into brutal depression and alcoholism, and he adopts just about every abusive personality trait you can imagine.

But, Lt. Dan is a man of his word. You might say that he does what he says he will. So, when he cynically laughs that he'll join Forrest as first mate if Forrest ever does set up as a shrimping captain, he keeps his word: "I told you if you were ever a shrimp boat captain that I'd be your first mate. Well, here I am."

By doing that—by taking action for once rather than bemoaning his loss of destiny—Lt. Dan actually writes himself into a pretty sweet future as the part-owner of a multimillion-dollar shrimping company, a savvy early investor in Apple, the owner of a fancy pair of prosthetic legs, and, of course, a man with a hot fiancée.

Not bad for a guy who was supposed to die on a battlefield in Vietnam.

--------------------- Finally, thinking back about that time. I'm thankful now and remember those that were busy fighting thanklessly, while we got to eat and enjoy ourselves during that era.

Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) in Forrest Gump

Bringing the big screen to life with description and analysis of Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) in Forrest Gump.

Response by LCpl John E Conroy made Nov 28 at 2019 2:34 AM

LCpl John E Conroy — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:34:45 -0500

1978 mainside Levine forgot to send use thanksgiving dinner, we where tad to moose oakgrove 40 miles north of lemons, so the cooks told use to go out nd any thing that fly's, has 4 legs, at the end of the day we had a feast,lol no complaint here the next day Lejune trucked up dinner, 41 years ago remember it well

Response by SGT Tom Foor made Nov 28 at 2019 3:03 AM

SGT Tom Foor — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:03:37 -0500

My most memorable Thanksgiving Day was in 1969. I had been in-country in Vietnam since 12/4/68. I was in B Btry 1/21 Arty on LZ Westcott. After a great turkey dinner, I noticed my battery commander and the First Sgt. walking towards my gun section. They approached me, extended their hand and shook mine. The BC then informed me that when the slick came back for the mess gear, I would be leaving the field for the last time. Wow, what a flood of emotions. I quickly gathered up my few belongings, my weapon and said my goodbyes to a great group of soldiers whom I was honored to serve with. Soon I heard the slick coming in, and off I went to Quon Loi to begin my out processing. I made it.
Tom Foor

Response by SSgt Marshall Brown made Nov 28 at 2019 3:07 AM

SSgt Marshall Brown — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:07:43 -0500

At Incirlik (CDI then) AB in 1971, explaining to a young (so was I) Turk who worked in my area how the holiday started and how it has morphed. A single airman, I always volunteered to work on Turkey Day and Christmas so those with families with them wouldn't have to... which I hope they were thankful for.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Nov 28 at 2019 3:44 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:44:52 -0500

Happy Thanksgivig

Response by CPL George Gersaba made Nov 28 at 2019 5:11 AM

CPL George Gersaba — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:11:38 -0500

We were shocked as a aCav unit on the DMZ in Vietnam to be recalled off the field for a hot Thanksgiving dinner. We normally ate C rations day in and day out. Hot chow was something that happened maybe once every couple of months when we were refitting and rearming. We were to eat a late lunch at the Cua Viet naval base that was on the South China Sea. We could hardly wait to eat! As I was walking away from the chow line, my butterscotch pudding that was served in a paper dixie cup tipped over and spilled. I quickly caught it and righted it. The contents suddenly acted like it was made out of rubber and snapped back into the cup. The people in line after me saw it and screamed with laughter, so did I. So everyone experimented with how far the butterscotch could be spilled and snapped back into the cup. It was hilarious. After that great dinner, we lazed around outside the Navy mess. Our scout section sergeant, Cooper came up to us and told us to saddle up we were going out on ambush along the river that night to be dropped off by landing craft. The photo I've attached to this post are the members of the ambush patrol in November 1969 gathering on shore on the sand waiting for our WW2-style transport. A new medic, temporarily replacing our last medic was with us. I cannot remember his name. I'm on the far left standing. Sarge is kneeling on the extreme right. It was lightly raining as it was still monsoon season until February. We were never dry.

Response by PO2 Bill Titus Sr made Nov 28 at 2019 5:25 AM

PO2 Bill Titus Sr — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:25:38 -0500

1975: We were given flu shots the day before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving morning I awoke (having had visions of turkeys around in my head) sick as a dog. Those dreams became the closest I came to turkeys that year

Response by SSG Mike Straub made Nov 28 at 2019 5:27 AM

SSG Mike Straub — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:27:31 -0500

I don't celebrate Thanksgiving anymore, because on 2 Thanksgivings, in the mid 60's, I will never forget as my dead and wounded fellow paratroopers lay all around me, choppers were bringing in turkey and other Thanksgiving fixings, as they reloaded with the dead and wounded on those same birds. I haven't had turkey since, nor will I ever get those memories from my mind. I help prepare the meal now, but always make an excuse not to be there, so I don't ruin my friends or family's good times. Thanksgiving has really become my Memorial Day!

Response by MAJ Robert Whaley made Nov 28 at 2019 5:46 AM

MAJ Robert Whaley — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:46:25 -0500

In 1978, I was assigned to a battalion in the 3rd Armor Division in the Federal Republic of Germany. The day before Thanks giving I was asked by a buddy of mine if I could pull Staff Duty Officer for him on Thanksgiving as he had been asked by the Battalion Commander to sub for another junior officer who had family members drop in unexpectedly for Thanksgiving and now his wife had invited a German family over for an authentic Thanksgiving dinner with them, not knowing that he accepted the SDO job from the CO. Being single I accepted as SDO ended around 1800 on Thanksgiving anyway. Around 1100 the originally assigned officer shows up at the SDO office with his wife and a complete Thanksgiving lunch for me as a reward for being the guy who eventually ended up with his duty. I felt honored. At around 1230, my buddy shows up with his wife and a complete Thanksgiving lunch for me to pay me back. I felt honored again, as did the SDNCO who was assigned with me. At around 1400, I was required to attend the battalions Thanksgiving Day luncheon at the Mess hall for all soldiers assigned to the Kaserne without families. The cooks really put together a super special layout and I was the COs representative so the guest of honor and again was very honored but very full. When I returned to my SDO office I was met by the CO and his wife whom had stopped by with a plate of left overs from their dinner because the COs wife was a gourmet cook and they both thought what I did, at the last minute, was exceptional and wanted to thank me. I again felt honored with a little nausea and the SDNCO was laughing his butt off as he helped me polish it off while the COs wife pointed out how each item was prepared. At 1800 I was released from duty, in time to go over to my Platoon Sergeants quarters to have dinner with them as was my original plan.

Response by LCpl Bob Morgan made Nov 28 at 2019 6:17 AM

LCpl Bob Morgan — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:17:20 -0500

When I was serving in the 3/5 chow hall on Camp Pendelton-Camp Margarita better known as "The Hill" the LT. Commander decided to have Thanksgiving with the Troops and bring his family--We served a awesome meal that day fit for a King--I personally gave some "Hometown" suggestions and assisted using them while cooking. Our team was awarded a Accomadation in the way of a plaque that presently hangs in the 3/5 chow hall complementing on looks-meal-and servicing the family to where they never had to leave their seat and mostly how polite and curteous we all were until the meal was over and we also said prayer for troops all over active or non active during that Thanksgiving--OORRAAHH!!! Native American Vietnam Era Marine Veteran proudly served

Response by SP5 William Sells made Nov 28 at 2019 6:22 AM

SP5 William Sells — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:22:32 -0500

In 1974 Okinawa Japan at Torii Station! Every service member was given a baked turkey with an American Flag that had our name on each turkey marked and displayed on stainless steel racks! Thankyou Colonel Verneau for thinking of your men! ASA all the Way!

Response by PO2 Mike Liso made Nov 28 at 2019 6:27 AM

PO2 Mike Liso — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:27:53 -0500

The most memorable Thanksgiving I had was in 1966 when I was stationed at Mcmurdo Base in the Antarctic. I must admit that most of the chow we had was very good, we were fed well considering where we were.

Response by SP5 Dennis Hall made Nov 28 at 2019 6:59 AM

SP5 Dennis Hall — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:59:10 -0500

The most memorable Thanksgiving for me was in Vietnam 1969.I was a Crew Chief/door gunner on a Huey , we volunteered to fly thanksgiving meals to as many Troops in the A Shau Valley as we could it was the best flight we made. 101 Airborne Happy Thanksgiving to all our BROTHERS and their Families be safe Dennis Hall

Response by SP5 Joe Hiddenname made Nov 28 at 2019 7:18 AM

SP5 Joe Hiddenname — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:18:01 -0500

Just before I was sent to Vietnam I was stationed in Ft. Hood Texas (1968). Although the Army was very generous for holiday meals, several of us decided to drive to the range and find our own Turkey the day before Thanksgiving since rumor had it there was plenty of wild turkeys there. After a day with no turkey, we decided we'd just give in and eat the food on base. But on the way back we spotted a nice deer. You can guess the next move. And there we were headed back to civilization with about 60 lbs of venison. Lo and behold we get pulled over by MP's. There we were 5 of us blood all over us, shotguns, and fresh meat in the trunk. Well, these two MP's were so amazed at our accomplishment that they laughed their asses off and just let us go. It was a better time those days. Anyway, my friend and his wife had an off post house in Copperas Cove so we headed there and finished cutting up the meat. Between the neighbors, our friends and us, by Friday there wasn't much left. Venison tenderloin and eggs for breakfast on Thanksgiving....never forget it!! We feasted for two days on it.

Response by Pvt D Davis made Nov 28 at 2019 7:36 AM

Pvt D Davis — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:36:49 -0500

Left Jacksonville NC on Wed afternoon in a sedan with 5 other marines, me in the middle in the back. Snow started shortly thereafter. Hit the DC beltway around noon. It took 6 hours to get a quarter of the way around the beltway to the highway west. Then headed to Chicago. Did I mention that the 5 marines were smokers, and I wasn't. Nor would they roll the windows down. "it's cold, dude."

Response by PO1 Robert Young made Nov 28 at 2019 7:41 AM

PO1 Robert Young — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:41:01 -0500

I was in CAP units in VN. Was expecting "C" rations for Thanksgiving. A friend I had been stationed with at USNH Key West gave me a Lipton's Chicken Noodle Soup packet. Reminded me of home. Turned into a great Thanksgiving.

Response by BG Ferd Irizarry made Nov 28 at 2019 8:19 AM

BG Ferd Irizarry — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:19:10 -0500

Thanksgiving 2009 in Afghanistan with the Under Secretary of the Army, BG Milley and Steve Lee (Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and BOD USO) visiting small outposts in Eastern Afghanistan, decorating Soldiers, eating five Thanksgiving dinners, serving Soldiers, and ending the day at sunset singing 'God Bless America' with Blackhawk rotors providing the accompaniment.

Response by CPO James Harrison made Nov 28 at 2019 8:25 AM

CPO James Harrison — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:25:16 -0500

I was a USAF Loadmaster on the C-141B from 1986-1990. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in 1987, we flew a mission to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. I spent that time on the beach with my fellow crew members, appreciating how lucky I was to be there on my birthday. There wasn't a whole lot to do on the island, other than drive up Green Mountain and go fishing for grouper, but we made our fun and it was a very enjoyable 48 hours.

Response by PO3 Richard Ross made Nov 28 at 2019 8:30 AM

PO3 Richard Ross — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:30:04 -0500

On November 22, 1975, while serving aboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, we collided with the Guided Missile Cruiser USS Belknap CG-26, 60 miles off the coast of Sicily in the Ionian Sea. The Belknap's superstructure was sheared off in the accident and caused massive fires aboard both ships. I was a young man of 19, standing in the hanger bay of the Kennedy, listening to the screams of those in the water and seeing the flames caused by ruptured jet fuel tanks. When the order for "Abandon Ship" was given I thought it was coming from my ship because I had yet to know what had caused the scene unfolding before me. Eight sailors perished that fateful night, 7 on the Belknap and 1 on the Kennedy. Three days later we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. I don't remember if we had turkey that day, chances are we didn't as we were on a 10-month deployment, but it was the one Thanksgiving Day among many in my life that stands out as the one where I truly was the most thankful. Thankful for life, for duty and for family.

Response by 1SG Jim Hoffman made Nov 28 at 2019 8:50 AM

1SG Jim Hoffman — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:50:38 -0500

My first Thanksgiving away from home in 1961 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, with the 49th Armored Division. We had been mobilized due to the Berlin Crisis and really thought that this might be the last one in the US for us as we believed we were close to war with Russia. It was so long ago that I can’t remember what we had though pretty sure it was Turkey with the trimmings.

Response by LTC Judy Marshall made Nov 28 at 2019 8:52 AM

LTC Judy Marshall — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:52:52 -0500

I was in the Reserves so did not have to spend any time away from my family on Thanksgiving.

I do have to comment that my favorite military Thanksgiving is when George Bush our Commander in Chief surprised the troops In Iraq. I was so proud to be led by such a man.

I am retired now, and I Thank you all for serving today. God Bless you all and your Families.

LTC Marshall.

Response by CMSAF Charles Hallgren made Nov 28 at 2019 8:56 AM

CMSAF Charles Hallgren — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:56:21 -0500

Thanksgiving of 1950 in Korea we had canned turkey that was canned in 1928

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Nov 28 at 2019 8:58 AM

SSG Alan Pelletier — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:58:33 -0500

The most memorable Thanksgivings I had always had a slight smell of diesel fuel and a fine coating of dust. In Iraq near the Syrian border we were to to prep for 3 days of unsupported mission watching the border. 3 days turned into almost 40. Our Chaplain came out in rotary with a few cooks and our Troop Commander. Great surprise, and of course had that slight smell of diesel fuel and a fine coating of dust in each bite! Wouldn't trade that day for any other

Response by SPC William Chenette made Nov 28 at 2019 9:02 AM

SPC William Chenette — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:02:30 -0500

November 22, 1968, I arrived at Fort Dix, New Jersey, awaiting deployment to Vietnam. It was a Friday afternoon six days before Thanksgiving. On Sunday afternoon my parents and family came to visit me, one last time before deployment at the Fort. Posters were placed all over the fort, “Fort Dix would be cooking 10,000 turkeys for all the troops at the fort and their family and friends are all invited”. So I asked my family if they would be willing to make another trip from Connecticut to Fort Dix N.J. to spend Thanksgiving with me. Surely I thought, they would never ship us out before Thanksgiving. It was only four days away. My family said, “absolutely, they would not miss it for the world”. So, I give my dad a slap on the shoulder, and I gave my mom a peck on the cheek and my only sister said, “I’ll see you Thursday”. . Well to our surprise I was on a plane Wednesday afternoon heading to Vietnam, never having the opportunity to say goodbye to my family. Between the long distance to get there, and the different time zones, we arrived the day after Thanksgiving, Friday! Every G.I. On that flight including myself, never did have a Thanksgiving that year.

Response by SGT Rick Adams made Nov 28 at 2019 9:05 AM

SGT Rick Adams — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:05:21 -0500

Thanksgiving 1968 in the field Mekong Delta. The sent out a bunch of cooks that made us a real Thanksgiving dinner with the works. With all due respect to my Mother & Grandmother, it was every bit as good as home. Don’t know how those guys did it but it was awesome

Response by TSgt Larry Hvinden made Nov 28 at 2019 9:07 AM

TSgt Larry Hvinden — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:07:19 -0500

I was stationed in Saigon from Jan 1969 -Feb 1970, with the 50th OSI HQ. Our office and our quarters were both in the center of Saigon. About 1 month after arriving, I convinced the 7 other guys I was living with in a villa compound that I was a better cook then the two Vietnamese mammasans that’s did our cooking and cleaning. Within a month of my doing the cooking, the other guys agreed that my cooking was better and also informed me that because I did the cooking, I would not have to contribute to the buying of groceries. When Thanksgiving rolled around, I made a complete Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including apple pie. The entire group was flabbergasted that they were able to have a home cooked Thanksgiving meal. Several of them even proposed marriage. Lol. Of course I had to turn them down because I was already married.

Response by SGT Ed Matyjasik made Nov 28 at 2019 9:25 AM

SGT Ed Matyjasik — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:25:32 -0500

It was 1969. 101st Airborne, we were out in the jungle terrain of the DMZ Vietnam. They had us hump up to an LZ where they choppered in a complete HOT Turkey dinner for us. The first hot meal we had in months. That was surreal! …. All of you veterans out there have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Response by PFC Roger Philpott made Nov 28 at 2019 9:29 AM

PFC Roger Philpott — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:29:00 -0500

My most forgettable was Thanksgiving 1960, Army basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, Mo. My 1st Thanksgiving away from home and I had KP, back sink (pots and pans). My 3 years of active duty got better from there and I wouldn’t trade my military time for anything. Helped this young man grow up in the real world. Loved my 18 months on a Hercules site in Germany - Not so much the 9 day ride over and back on a troop ship. Happy Thanksgiving Vets.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 9:33 AM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:33:48 -0500

I had turkey in turkey on thanksgiving day 1946.

Response by SFC Kenneth Smith made Nov 28 at 2019 9:40 AM

SFC Kenneth Smith — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:40:44 -0500

In 1955 I was on Operation Sagebrush in Louisana on Thanksgiving, it was raining and we were served from a mess tent. There was a old barn near, we sat in a feed trough to stay out of the rain and ate our Thanksgiving dinner.

Response by SPC Dennis Laumeyer made Nov 28 at 2019 9:47 AM

SPC Dennis Laumeyer — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:47:38 -0500

Thanksgiving dinner 1965 was the first meal i had in Viet Nam! We (661st ordnance company (AMMO) had arrived off shore on a troop ship (USNS Geiger) at Qui Nhon that day and had been brought ashore by an LCM ( Landing craft medium) and then were taken by truck to An Khe! Camp Radcliff was under construction by the 1st Cavalry division! We were assigned a location and began to set up our company area! Since we did not yet have a mess hall set up, Were served turkey and trimmings by a neighbor unit! This is the Thanksgiving I will always remember!

Response by PO1 James Mudd made Nov 28 at 2019 9:48 AM

PO1 James Mudd — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:48:30 -0500

I was stationed on board LST1184 in 85 with my first wife and 2 kids. We invited several shipmates over 4 dinner. When asked what we were thankful 4 some of the guys commented they had never been invited into a white man's house 4 dinner and a few stated they had never been invited into an americans' home. Everyone ate 2 much, napped, watched football and ate some more. As the day ended there was no doubt n anyone's mind that we had a good 1and they were welcome back anytime. All the guys were very grateful as were my family and I.

Response by Cpl Travis Fryzowicz made Nov 28 at 2019 9:49 AM

Cpl Travis Fryzowicz — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:49:19 -0500

After being wounded in september 1966 on Mutters Ridge [hill 400] in vietnam i was evacted to the hospital ship USS REPOSE for 3 days then moved on 1 oct to Clark air force base hospital for my second surgury. on 1 nov i was sent to the 106TH General field hospital in yokohama japan for my 3rd . spending thanksgiving in a hospital ward with other wounded marines, soldiers and airman was a very rewarding experience for me and them. . they were and still are my family .

Response by SSgt Janet Robbins made Nov 28 at 2019 9:53 AM

SSgt Janet Robbins — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:53:39 -0500

I was in Basic Training in Texas for Thanksgiving and Christmas! But my family waited for me to get home January 3rd to celebrate the holidays

Response by PO3 David Cianfarano made Nov 28 at 2019 10:15 AM

PO3 David Cianfarano — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:15:26 -0500

Chelsea Naval Hospital , Elementary school visiting gave ea. Paper turkey full Jelly Beans and sang holiday songs brought back memories of home. Nov. 1965. Never forget impact on all of us, took away the pain and brought tears to a young man.

Response by SP5 Alan HIldebrant made Nov 28 at 2019 10:17 AM

SP5 Alan HIldebrant — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:17:14 -0500

1968 at FSB 22 I hadn't finished talking to the prisoners yet before everyone had eaten, gone back to their stations and the cooks had put everything away. I walked over the boards above the mud to find the mess tent empty except for the crew tidying up. They wouldn't let me leave without taking everything out again and preparing a special thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings just for me. It made me feel very special. I sat there in the abandoned village and savored every bite.

Response by PO3 Peter Beloin made Nov 28 at 2019 10:24 AM

PO3 Peter Beloin — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:24:35 -0500

I was in Ras Al Ghar Saudi Arabia during operation DESERT SHIELD, and on Thanksgiving morning Armed forces radio played a show that Robin Williams made for us.... it started with "Goooood Mooorning Saudi!" we all loved the show.

Navy Corpsman with USMC

Response by PO2 Kurtis King made Nov 28 at 2019 10:25 AM

PO2 Kurtis King — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:25:15 -0500

I was in Guam with NMCB40 a UTchief took me to his friends house for THANKSGIVING it was very home feeling very welcoming . I had alot of great Thanksgiving‘s memories while I was station with NMCB40

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Nov 28 at 2019 10:35 AM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:35:50 -0500

Fifty years ago "today", while in the U.S. Army, assigned to the 7th Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry Division at Camp Casey in northern South Korea, I was having Thanksgiving Dinner in our mess hall. The "highlight" of the dinner was REAL Eggnogg (made with real eggs and real milk) that had been flown in from California. This was a delightful shift from the usual powdered eggs and our usual "remanufactured" milk. That was powdered milk that was reconstituted in the Army "milk factory" in Seoul, and the butterfat that had been removed "in the Land of the Big PX" was replaced with coconut oil. If it was really cold, it tasted OK, but if it was less than that, it tasted like plastic. The fresh Eggnog was a real palate pleaser - better than champagne to us!

Response by SSG Juan Torres made Nov 28 at 2019 10:36 AM

SSG Juan Torres — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:36:38 -0500

I arrived at Inchon Harbor, South Korea on the USS Gen Hugh J. Gaffey, in November !963. Waiting on deck to disembark, I asked my buddy, Nick Fonseca, why the flags were at half mast. He told me they had killed the President, but since he was prone to joking I dismissed his response. Going down the ramp, I saluted the officer of the day and asked him the same question. President Kennedy was assassinated, he answered . The dreary day seemed even drearier. I was in another country, my first trip any where, broke, and my beloved president had been killed. Needles to say, the holidays that year were definitely memorable to me.

Response by PO3 Jon Harren made Nov 28 at 2019 10:45 AM

PO3 Jon Harren — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:45:56 -0500

HM-8404 Corpsman w/ 1/26 Marines. 1969 NW of Da Nang. In the field. They brought out some extra food on a helicopter.

Quiet day, relaxed and played cards.

Holidays in the military: It is what it is.

Response by SSgt Melissa De La Rosa made Nov 28 at 2019 10:49 AM

SSgt Melissa De La Rosa — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:49:11 -0500

My favorite was in Kadena AB, Okinawa. We lived in coed H style barracks with the large kitchen in the center. A group of 5 of us decided to create a potluck of what we could cook. The word spread and others brought food, drinks and music. It turned into one big party of 30+ and we all created some great memories!!

Response by SrA Charles Tyrrell made Nov 28 at 2019 10:59 AM

SrA Charles Tyrrell — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:59:04 -0500

I remember Thanksgiving dinner at Thule AB, Greenland in 1952. l little foggy now but good memories.

Response by PO3 John Stott made Nov 28 at 2019 11:12 AM

PO3 John Stott — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:12:57 -0500

On Nov. 22, 1945, my communications group in the Navy disembarked at Tsingtao, China. The only facility was a large Japanese barracks. I don't remember what specialty set up food services in tents, but we ate C rations plus hot beans and coffee. It was Thanksgiving Day and my 19th birthday. John Stott (then Seaman First Class).

Response by CPL Terry Engel made Nov 28 at 2019 11:13 AM

CPL Terry Engel — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:13:50 -0500

my squad.(d-co. 2'nd 16th. 1st inf.) heard on radio that thanksgiving 1969, everyone would get a hot meal. (never happened!) I have a picture of myself taking it out on a palm tree. cutting it down with machete! (point man). never believe everything you hear or read!!
terry engel

Response by CPL John C. Lynch made Nov 28 at 2019 11:25 AM

CPL John C. Lynch — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:25:28 -0500

Some great stories. Reading them made me feel old though--my days were back in the '80s. FO for a Unit with the 82nd Airborne on DRF-1 Status (geared up and ready--2 hr recall) A bunch of us decided to try cooking a bird in a coal pit with a bonfire over it all night long. Hung out all night feeding the fire and sharing time with my Team and their Families. One of the wives didn't trust our plan, and cooked a back-up just in case. Pit bird was the tenderest, juiciest bird ever. At least that's the way I'll remember that special Thanksgiving forever.

Response by Capt Ken Kriner made Nov 28 at 2019 11:25 AM

Capt Ken Kriner — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:25:38 -0500

As a Staff Sergeant we hosted Thanksgiving at our home in South Dakota for 4 years. We'd invite single Airmen and young couples from both the flight-line and backshop. We'd provide the Turkey and Ham and asked everyone to bring the one dish that was a tradition at home. Aside from Mackerel Loaf, it worked out pretty well. The last year we did it we had 60 people attend, the yard looked like a used car lot, and I climbed up on the roof for some peace and quiet.

A good time was had by all.

Response by MSG Dan Green made Nov 28 at 2019 11:27 AM

MSG Dan Green — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:27:22 -0500

Camp Esayons, Korea.. Mess Hall best spread .. I have ever seen.

Response by SGT Mike Carpenter made Nov 28 at 2019 11:32 AM

SGT Mike Carpenter — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:32:12 -0500

Twas the night before Thanksgiving 1969. My section on Dusters were providing perimeter defense at base Tan Ninh. It was early morning and we were hit by mortar's and rockets. Our mess hall was located relatively close to the fuel bladders. The VC got a direct and destroyed the mess hall as well as others. Brass heard what occurred and sent Thanksgiving dinner to us from Tan Son Nhut air base. It was great.

Response by SN Malcolm Johnson made Nov 28 at 2019 11:32 AM

SN Malcolm Johnson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:32:48 -0500

Thanksgiving Day...1972, USS Fulton (AS-11) North Atlantic. Storm.... coming home to New London, Ct. State Pier, from La Magdalena, Sardinia, Italy. That boat was a rockin and a rollin.

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Nov 28 at 2019 11:35 AM

SPC Joseph Kopac — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:35:09 -0500

Was in the northern mountainous region (I Corp) in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. Monsoon Season. The clouds and fog hugged the mountains grounding the Hueys. Socked in. No food for 4 days. We shared what we had with each other which was about nothing. Hunger pains were awful. We used to tie our ponchos to trees to keep some of the rain off us at night. One mourning, no more sound of rain hitting my poncho. Soon after, the chop chop of a Huey hovering overhead. The door gunner was throwing out cases of C-Rations. We were on the side of a mountain and the C-Ration boxes broke on impact causing much of it to be lost. We were like animals after that food.

A few days later, we moved down into a valley. They must of felt sorry for us. They sent out cooks with a turkey dinner in those green food cans. Think of that time every Thanksgiving. And I never waste food til this day.

Response by SN Malcolm Johnson made Nov 28 at 2019 11:36 AM

SN Malcolm Johnson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:36:40 -0500

Thanksgiving Day...1972, USS Fulton (AS-11) North Atlantic. Storm.... coming home to New London, Ct. State Pier, from La Magdalena, Sardinia, Italy. That boat was a rockin and a rollin.

Response by CW5 Jeff Moore made Nov 28 at 2019 11:49 AM

CW5 Jeff Moore — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:49:00 -0500

Thanksgiving 1991 after returning from DSS, taking then MG Barry McCaffrey, CG 24th INF Div and the G4, LTCP Dan Speak to all the installation/post Dining Facilities to visit with the Culinary Specialists/Food service staff preparing and serving the Thanksgiving meal to the Soldiers. I was a CW3 at the time and the Division Food Advisor. My SGM battle buddy was taking the Division CSM to visit all the Dining Facilities as well. It was great to see the CG giving out coins and interacting with all the food service Soldiers and kitchen attendants.

Response by SGT Gene Tomlinson made Nov 28 at 2019 11:49 AM

SGT Gene Tomlinson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:49:51 -0500

I was diverted mid-reassignment and sent to the Pentagon. I was single and I arrived a week before Thanksgiving virtually cashless, with only one Class A uniform. The day before Thanksgiving I had to put it in the cleaners so I would have something clean to wear on Monday. I had spent the last of my money buying additional uniforms, but they were being altered and I wouldn't have them until the next Monday. Thanksgiving day I went to the mess hall on Fort Meyer for lunch. An Old Guard CSM standing at the door said that I couldn't get in unless I was in Class A uniform. I explained the situation, Class A in cleaners, no cash, household belongings were on their way to Germany, and I just wanted lunch. No luck, he was unmoved. No lunch. Went back for dinner, different CSM but the same story, no admittance to the mess hall without Class A uniform.

That was my welcome to the Pentagon, alone, no friends or family, no car, hungry on Thanksgiving and very pissed off. In the two years that I was stationed there I never went back to the mess hall. I lived on Ramen and the dollar menu at Wendy's.

Response by SSgt Larry Davis made Nov 28 at 2019 12:02 PM

SSgt Larry Davis — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:02:46 -0500

When I was stationed at Beale AFB, California working on the alert area guarding the B-52s you worked in every kind of weather. From standing in snow and ice to 90 degree weather protecting the planes. On Thanksgiving and Christmas they would let us eat at the alert billet's where the alert air crew stayed. It was very special for an 18 year old Airman to get out of the weather to eat a wonderful Thanksgiving meal instead of a sack lunch. The alert crews would welcome us into their building because they appreciated what we did 24 hours a day taking care of their aircraft.

Response by SGT Carl Forsman made Nov 28 at 2019 12:03 PM

SGT Carl Forsman — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:03:09 -0500

Thanksgiving 1988, General Stiner and his staff sat across the table from me at the thanksgiving dinner. He talked to me directly for about 20 minutes and of course the fellows around me. He took special interest in the fact my grandfather was in the 2nd 504 and seemed to know some of my grandfathers exploits. I was able to talk about meeting General Gavin on several occasions and guys like Chaplin Cule, he seemed to know the whole gang including my grandfather. Of course this whole 20-30 minutes happened while we both shoveled food in our mouths. The lead off to the conversation started with him asking me when I was born and him laughing that he'd been to jump school about the time I was born. From that day my buds who were with me treated me a little differently.

Response by SGT John Keating made Nov 28 at 2019 12:04 PM

SGT John Keating — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:04:47 -0500

As a crew member of a CH47 helicopter - we brought meals to soldiers in the field making three trips on Thanksgiving in Viet Nam.

Response by Sgt Chris Mastroianni made Nov 28 at 2019 12:15 PM

Sgt Chris Mastroianni — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:15:38 -0500

I was in the Air Force and stationed at RAF Mildenhall, UK in the late 1980's. It was a great place to be stationed and half the base was open to the locals who worked and joined us in the clubs. There is a pub just outside the base, called The Bird In Hand, that my friends and I would hang out quite frequently. It is still there. One year, the owner of the pub invited me and about a dozen of my friends to the pub, on Thanksgiving when it was closed, for an authentic British meal. It was a great act of kindness as this holiday is only celebrated by Americans. Although the meal was not your typical Thanksgiving fare, it was nice to be with friends and new friends from a foreign land enjoying a meal and being thankful.

Response by SPC Tmi Bazzell made Nov 28 at 2019 12:51 PM

SPC Tmi Bazzell — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:51:39 -0500

I was in Camp Zama Army Hospital in Japan recovering from rocket wounds received in Vietnam. 1/7, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Garry Owen!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Nov 28 at 2019 12:59 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:59:58 -0500

Mine was when I was assigned to the (former) 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. My unit and I had just finished up a field problem Tuesday morning and spent all day in recovery on Wednesday. One of my battles hosted dinner in his quarters and about 12 of us brought in food and drinks with our families. NONE OF US were where we wanted to be for the holiday (somewhere in the lower 48), but none of us would have changed this particular Thanksgiving if we could go back in time. Great food, great drinks, great music, bonding over the deployment about 18 months down the road...probably one of the best Thanksgivings EVER, let alone while in uniform.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Nov 28 at 2019 1:06 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:06:51 -0500

The 2nd most favorite was when I was singing in the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus. My NCOIC invited all of the chorus and our families to his house for Thanksgiving. For a few hours, we were able to forget about crazy performance schedules and just be people sharing a meal in a warm, family environment.

Response by SSG Keith Hankins made Nov 28 at 2019 1:08 PM

SSG Keith Hankins — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:08:37 -0500

1971 Thanksgiving, a few weeks from 11B graduation at Tigerland. Late holiday afternoon sitting on the edge of my foxhole watching A-7 Corsairs I cracked open a can of c-rat turkey chunks that I rounded up just for the day. That was some good turkey...

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Nov 28 at 2019 1:30 PM

SrA Ronald Moore — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:30:53 -0500

Thanksgiving with my Wife(exwife in '79) in Okinawa,Japan before she went back to Mississippi,buti had to eat at the chow Hall at Kadena,And they had every conceivable entree possible,including Turkey,Chicken,Hamburgers,

Response by SGT Sheri Lattimer made Nov 28 at 2019 1:58 PM

SGT Sheri Lattimer — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:58:09 -0500

Yongsan, Korea. 2003. Being prior service(Marine Corps), I was the 2nd oldest living in the barracks missing my kids...but these kids gave us all memorable Thanksgiving. None older than 21 and all of 'em with serious cooking skills...well, except one and we just stuck him in a chair with his beer and get entertained by our goofy jokes. We actually had a genuine Native American in our Comm Shop and he broke out his N. A. attire with headdress and proceeded to do a "dance" that was traditionally done to give thanks for the success of the hunt and for the bounty of the feast. I'm not good at describing things, so I'll just say it's something I'll never forget. The whole thing combined gave me some awesome memories and made me not miss my kids so much.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Nov 28 at 2019 2:07 PM

TSgt David Olson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:07:18 -0500

Actually I had two. The first was while I was attached to the Joint Security Area, Pan Mun Jom Korea, 1963. I was in the Army as a military policeman. My second was while I was attached to the 560 MP company, detachment “F”, Pleiku Vietnam, 1964. In Korea, I was asked to defect by a NK officer, good English to defect, I in turn asked him to defect. Also chased a Korean defector up to a NK guard post and just missed him. He made it in to the guard post by an arm’s length. One night working the swing shift, my partner and I were working the UN half of the “bridge of no return”.There was a ground fog and I walked out to the middle of the bridge. A couple of minutes later two NK guards began advancing toward me. I let them get about 10-15 feet from me, when I pulled out my night stick. That stopped them and I also shouted for my partner. He came out of our guard post and seeing him, the NKs retreated to their end of the bridge
Vietnam after Korea I initiated one occurrence that resulted in a major policy change from Washington. It was a late Sunday afternoon in Pleiku. My partner and I were in the town on patrol. On a main street, which featured several bars, we were flagged down by a Vietnamese woman. She pointed to one bar and said we go. Inside the bar, it looked like a brawl had taken place. I ascertained that an American civilian contractor had come in drunk. He proceeded to throw furniture, break the owner’s shoulder and fired one or more rounds into the mirror. A female employee received some bruises. At this time in Vietnam, there was no “status of df forces agreement”. All American and third party civilian nationals were supposedly under the jurisdiction of the Vietnamese civilian police, “white mice”. In the bar nobody mentioned contacting the Vietnamese police. Darkness was falling when a bar employee pointed out the front window at a Jeep going by. She said it was the suspect. My partner and I ran from the bar and jumped into our jeep in pursuit. He lead us out of town on the highway to ll Corp HQ. The Jeep’s driver was a Filipino and he pulled over. Running around to the passenger’s I saw the suspect reaching into the glove box for a pistol. I of course had my .45 Colt in my hand and I told him not to be foolish. I grabbed his pistol, pulled him out of the Jeep and handcuffed him. I recognized him as living in the HQ Advisors compound. What actions I had initiated up to this point, I had no legal authority to do so. My Provost Marshall had a fit when I explained what had transpired. The upshot was that State wanted me courtmartialed and Defense supported my actions. This being carried out at WH level. President Johnson sided with Defense, I wasn’t courtmartialed and a “status of forces” was enacted between the US and South Vietnam, putting all American and third party civilian nationals under the jurisdiction of the US army military police.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 2:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:25:08 -0500

Kosovo 1999 was my favorite Thanksgiving military memory. They had the locals in Kosovo dress up as pilgrims and Indians

Response by SSG Roland Morang made Nov 28 at 2019 2:29 PM

SSG Roland Morang — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:29:33 -0500

Just saw where the President was visiting the troops. 1974 Thanksgiving in Korea

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 2:30 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:30:46 -0500

Basic Training Ft. Dix 1967. One of our fellow “volunteers” was a Yale graduate from the Upper East side of Manhattan. He was gracious enough to invite two of us to join him in NYC. Needless to say, his family was well to do. The meal was catered by a deli, but wonderful. Very generous of him and much appreciated. When we were assigned to Armor AIT, he took the Army up on an offer to drop OCS, become a Shake and Bake E 5 Tanker Sergeant, and receive orders for Korea. Later I learned he ended up in the Nam anyway. Probably one of those for the needs of the Army things?

Response by SPC Marcelo Medina Ayala made Nov 28 at 2019 2:53 PM

SPC Marcelo Medina Ayala — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:53:29 -0500

camp lee at the border outpost near Bad Kissinger Germany on rotation with E co 2/11 Acr ended up spending Christmas and New Years there and that got old

Response by SSG Jerry Anderson made Nov 28 at 2019 5:16 PM

SSG Jerry Anderson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 17:16:09 -0500

Thanksgiving 2004...IFII...Camp Liberty; it was just a month later that DIFAC at FOB Marez was hit by a suicide bomber...26 KIA.

Response by CMSgt Terry Gersdorf made Nov 28 at 2019 7:03 PM

CMSgt Terry Gersdorf — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 19:03:00 -0500

Thanksgiving in Perth Australia while on a 6 month TDY

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 7:32 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 19:32:08 -0500

I remember one time Barack Obama came to camp Arifjan to visit the troops. Michele wrassled with some of the troops and his daughters gave out soiled underwear to the troops. Oh wait, he was too busy bowing down to the caliphate, my bad

Response by A1C Dale Donovan made Nov 28 at 2019 8:39 PM

A1C Dale Donovan — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:39:33 -0500

Most memorable Thanksgiving was on Mountain Home Air Force Base Idaho 1963 as a dependent. Dad was E4 $93.00 a month. I was school age with two brothers. We spent the Day at the Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored on the base. The kitchen staff and support personnel prepared a meal that I know now had every traditional Thanksgiving meal staple and much more. They created activities and provided obviously a very memorable day. A meal that Mom could not have possibly created because of budget priorities. Dad did not have the rank for base housing so even the drive to the base had to be budgeted from the gas money that was only used for Dad's transportation to the base. Just saw this post from the VA and immediately recalled that Thanksgiving 56 years ago.
My thanks are for the guys that worked their Thanksgiving to provide memories for young troops and their dependents that otherwise would have had the Spam Turkey and a can of Cranberries.
My thanks are for all the Airmen that still are volunteering for such activities and are caring on taking care of the Air Force family. The Base Commanders that make base facilities available.
56 Thanksgivings later and that is still the one that brings a smile to may face and gratefulness to the people that made it possible. In addition to our Troops deployed let us not forget their families back at home at these holidays. When I am asked how long I served I tell them 18 years as a dependent and 4 active. There are a lot of us out there.

Response by Lt Col Gregory Anderson made Nov 28 at 2019 11:00 PM

Lt Col Gregory Anderson — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 23:00:06 -0500

My first deployment was to a little FOB south of Baghdad, and we arrive via Blackhawk on Thanksgiving Day 2006. The first thing we did was go to the DFAC (after storing my gear), and it was mega-decked out with Thanksgiving decorations, cakes, food everywhere, etc, and I thought every day at the DFAC would be like that (I didn't know). We got hit that day shortly afterwards. I will always remember that day, and told someone about it today (Thanksgiving Day 2019).

Response by PO2 Michael Rickey made Nov 29 at 2019 8:51 AM

PO2 Michael Rickey — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 08:51:13 -0500

1980 on the USS John F Kennedy. What a feed they put on. I am glad I did not work in the kitchen. What a line to get food. Afterwards I went to chapel to thank God for the great food. I was attached to VA 46 , senior squadron., personnel ofc.

Response by Sgt Phil Street made Nov 29 at 2019 9:36 AM

Sgt Phil Street — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:36:35 -0500

While serving in the Korean War how the cooks tried to keep the food hot for the 7th Motor Transport Battalion of the Marines but at 22 below zero that was impossible they ate out of metal mess kits it would start to freeze around the edges before they could get it all ate. The water came in 250 gallon tanks on wheels it was a 250 gallon ice cube it took the cooks a few hours with a large steel bar breaking it up so as to make coffee, they brought a 32 gallon GI can to a boil then dumped several pounds of coffee into the water the longer it simmered the stronger it got. Sgt. Street

Response by SGT Jay Winesburg made Nov 29 at 2019 11:04 AM

SGT Jay Winesburg — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 11:04:16 -0500

Grenada, 1983. Gen Lutz of 1st SOCOM paid us a visit. We had one hell of a spread

Response by SPC Rebecca Crone made Nov 29 at 2019 8:42 PM

SPC Rebecca Crone — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 20:42:18 -0500

Thanksgiving that I remember the most was: My husband and I were both in the military. I was off but he was not. He worked at a isolated radio site in Germany. I was allowed to go to work with him and cook a meal for us and the other person he was working with. The only stove there was, was in an unheated Quonset hut. So I huddled in front of the stove and cooked. We had SPAM with brown sugar and mustard over it. Corn, instant mashed potatoes and cherry pie. Best food I ever had for thanksgiving.

Response by SPC Jose Rodriguez made Nov 30 at 2019 10:44 AM

SPC Jose Rodriguez — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 10:44:34 -0500

The year was 1969 in the jungles of Vietnam. Thanksgiving day for us grunts was looking for the enemy as we usually did during our search and destroy missions. We took a break for a quick lunch.
We opened our C-rations but before we ate, we prayed in silence. I prayed that we would all get back to the fire base uninjured and to go the rest of the day without contact. It turned out to be a quiet day even though we didn’t enjoy turkey like the men in the fire base did.

Response by SFC Andrew Powers. made Nov 30 at 2019 4:39 PM

SFC Andrew Powers. — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 16:39:18 -0500

Humanitarian Hurricane Hugo DC National Guard and the 82 Airborne MP
Helping those in need InaPorterico. and The Virginian Isl and of the USA

Response by Sgt David Buehler made Nov 30 at 2019 5:58 PM

Sgt David Buehler — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 17:58:24 -0500

I actually have two very special memories about Thanksgiving. First, in 1982 when I was stationed at RAF Wethersfield in England as a Crash/Rescue Firefighter, it worked out that I would be working the holiday. All the firefighters, supervisors, chiefs and our loved ones and families got together at our central fire station for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful feeling to be with the men and woman who had our backs during emergencies, our bosses who always backed us and all of the people we loved and shared our lives with off duty. But most of all was the backing of all our family members who came and supported us day after day. It was one large supportive and loving family. And not one of our families members or my fellow firefighters missed the event. Second, after cross training into the Safety field in 1985, I was stationed at George AFB in California. I was scheduled to attend supervisors safety training at Lowry AFB in Colorado during which Thanksgiving would fall. Being my second trip to Lowry, I met a fellow Safety specialist in Las Vegas and we both took our vehicles to Lowry and figured that on Thanksgiving we would go together to a restaurant off base for Thanksgiving dinner. But as it got closer, neither of us felt that anticipation or warmness of getting together with family and freinds for the holiday. As things turned out we were seperated into seperate classes and his class decided that they would all get together at one of his classmates house off base as he was stationed there and that everyone would bring a dish. So that left me alone for the holiday and no one in my class suggested anything about getting together. My class were all freindly with each other but it looked like I would be eating alone on Thanksgiving.
On the day before Thanksgiving, at the end of the training day, two of our instructors came into the classroom as we were getting ready to leave. They asked us all to please retake our seats as they had an assignment to issue for Thanksgiving Day. We all looked at each other like "really"? An assignment to complete on the holiday and turn in the next day? Wow!
The instructors explained that this assignment would be required by all of us and was designed not to determine our intellect but our character as investigators and our ability to seperate work and the things we see there from how we decompress and act when with family and freinds. We were totally confused needless to say. Then they told us that this would be a group assignment and all must attend, no excuses. They told us that they understood that this assignment was unusual because of the holiday but that they felt that it was necessary because of the things they observed in our interactions with each other during class time and how close with each other we'd become. We were totally confused.
Then they told us that they also felt that they had become more close with us than any previous classes and that they felt that allthough this assignment was to be completed on Thanksgiving, they said they hoped it would result in deeper freindships and working relationships for the future. Then they explained that the assignment was that each and every one of us would get together for some football watching and a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings and drinks. We looked at each other and asked where we could get together and where in the heck we could cook all this food since we all were billeted in the NCO dorms but didnt have a kitchen. We asked if we could all go to a restuarant off base and were told no. That the assignment had to be completed on base. We had no idea how to do this. We were exasperated.
Both instructors laughed and told us that because of the closeness of our class to each other and to our instructors, and thier feelings that none of us should be alone on this holiday away from our family and freinds, our assignment was that all of us were to show up at our instructors home on Thanksgiving in comfortable clothing as they were opening thier homes to us for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings and drinks with them and thier families who wanted to share thier love with us. It was a wonderful thing to do for us. When we attended, we were lovingly welcomed into their homes, (they lived next door to each other), by thier families and children. We all were hugged by the adults and all the children shook our hands. It was a wonderful feeling of being wanted, loved and welcomed into thier lives as people, not just military members. We all had a great time sharing parts of our lives, sharing a meal and watching football. There was no rushed feeling of having to leave shortly after the meal and a little football. It was quite the opposite. A few of us became tired and were directed to bedrooms for a nap. We were extremely grateful for these instructors and thier families for all they had done to make is feel a part of them for the holiday. They both went well above and beyond for us.

Response by CMSgt Randy Holt made Dec 1 at 2019 8:47 PM

CMSgt Randy Holt — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:47:08 -0500

1983- Flying reconnaissance missions out of Athens, Greece. I was scheduled to fly on Thanksgiving, but we had already planned to invite a bunch of the single guys from the squadron over for Thanksgiving. I landed late afternoon and drove to my apartment in Glyfada to a house full of my fellow airmen, and my wife and two children hosting them all. It was a great day! Both missions accomplished!

Response by Sgt John Good made Dec 2 at 2019 3:41 PM

Sgt John Good — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:41:47 -0500

Back in Jan. 1979 I enlisted into the Air Force with a delay until the end of November. What I didn't realize at the time was my first full day in the service was the day before Thanksgiving. Because of the holiday we spent Wed-Sun as "Rainbows" (still in the clothes and long hair we arrived in). My timing had me in basic training Thankgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Response by TSgt Pamela Troester made Dec 3 at 2019 12:08 AM

TSgt Pamela Troester — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:08:17 -0500

The one thanksgiving that sticks out in my mind was the very first one I experienced in the military. I enlisted on 11/25 and Thanksgiving was the next day! So I got to enjoy inhaling my meal while being barked at in the chow hall. Good times!

Response by Sgt Missy Helbert made Dec 3 at 2019 9:34 AM

Sgt Missy Helbert — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 09:34:49 -0500

My first Thanksgiving meal I cooked was in Okinawa, Japan. I had a 20+ lb turkey and 19 Marines in my efficiency apartment. My husband had to take our turkey over to another Marines house to cook it because our turkey would not fit in the oven. But after dealing with that dilemma we had a great meal and fellowship with all that attended. I received more Thank you notes from the staff NCOs and the officers wives for feeding their husbands. There were no leftovers. Marines can chow down and they went back for thirds. That was the first time I ever fed that many people and it is now a tradition to have 20+ at my house every year.

Response by SPC Thom Knott made Dec 3 at 2019 12:43 PM

SPC Thom Knott — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 12:43:45 -0500

Sitting on an observation point, cold, wind blowing snow watching the Czech Border as a reaction force to an elevated border threat and feeling homesick at 19 yrs old. We were in our M113 with the standard non-operational heater next to a barn on a farm. A grandmotherly woman came out of the farm house with hot Gluwein and fresh pastries and chocolates and gave them to us with warm smiles. My mood was quickly elevated and thankful for this small celebration with my squad. It has and always be my most memorable thanksgiving.

Response by PO2 William Allman made Dec 3 at 2019 2:42 PM

PO2 William Allman — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:42:44 -0500

On a hiatus from my first tour of Vietnam, we managed to catch Bob Hope and the USO Tour at Subic Bay NAS, in the large stadium! It was epic and a huge, much needed respite from the otherwise grim daily grind!!

Response by PO3 Maurice Rivenbark made Dec 3 at 2019 3:51 PM

PO3 Maurice Rivenbark — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:51:08 -0500

Thanksgiving of 1961. We had turkey sandwiches and beer.
It was at Baffu Bay in South Africa and 120 in the shade. Swimming with men in LCVP's watching out for sharks, armed wilth M-!s. This took place on Solant Amity 3 cruise.

Response by SPC Britney Norris made Dec 4 at 2019 8:57 AM

SPC Britney Norris — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:57:19 -0500

When I was stationed at Fort Sam-Houston for AIT, we had the option to sign up to be "adopted" by a local family for Thanksgiving. I come from a decent size family and we always spend the holidays together, so when I got to celebrate my Thanksgiving away from home in a similar manner as I would have at home it was absolutely amazing and something I will never forget. It has been over ten years ago now and I still keep in touch with my Thanksgiving family from San Antonio!

Response by Sgt Marshall Jacobson made Dec 6 at 2019 6:42 PM

Sgt Marshall Jacobson — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 18:42:18 -0500

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