U.S. troops will be experiencing Thanksgiving differently this year in attempts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Department of Defense announced Monday the meals would be “switched to grab-and-go style takeout instead of large group gatherings in dining facilities.”
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence acknowledged the holiday will be difficult, but he is hopeful they can give troops the feeling of home.
“The holidays will look quite different this year for everyone,” he said.
Lawrence added, “I’m proud that our workforce is doing everything possible to make sure our warfighters get a proper holiday meal, especially since many of us will not be able to be with our family and friends. We want to make sure they get that taste of home no matter where they are in the world.”
DLA Troop Support has provided Thanksgiving meals to troops stationed in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Korea, Japan, Qatar, Honduras, and others.
“Food is emotional, and this year more than ever, it’s so important that DLA Troop Support got the turkeys, hams and all the trimmings to our troops wherever they are stationed,” Army Col. Eric McCoy, DLA Troop Support Subsistence Director said.
He continued, “Our supply chain takes the holidays very seriously. Our troops are far away from home, and they definitely look forward to this meal. Disappointing them is not an option.”
The agency provides troops around the world with an estimated 9,000 whole turkeys, 51,000 pounds of roasted turkeys, 74,000 pounds of beef, 21,000 pounds of ham, 67,000 pounds of shrimp, 16,000 pounds of sweet potatoes, 19,000 pounds of pies and cakes, and 7,000 gallons of eggnog.
According to the statement, the agency provides America’s armed forces annually with $19 billion in “food, uniforms, protective equipment, medicine and medical supplies, repair parts, and construction and equipment.”
