American troops stationed around the world will soon be savoring their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, all thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) team.
This year, in one of its largest logistical operations, the military has secured over 380,000 pounds of classic Thanksgiving foods and treats, as announced by the Department of War. The department highlighted the complexity of the ordering process, which is meticulously tailored to accommodate the varying number of troops deployed globally.
“Each holiday requirement is unique, much like fingerprints,” John Sheehan, the TSS director of customer operations, shared with the Department of War. “The demand for specific holiday items fluctuates based on the ever-changing needs and preferences of our troops each year.”
American soldiers worldwide will have the chance to indulge in traditional Thanksgiving meals. (Army Sgt. Adrianne Lopez/DOW)
This season, military dining facilities are preparing to receive 152,626 pounds of turkey, 124,022 pounds of beef, 66,054 pounds of ham, 38,081 pounds of shrimp, 6,512 cans of sweet potatoes, 15,282 cases of pies and cakes, and 792 cases of eggnog, among other festive foods.
A Thanksgiving feast complete with homemade turkey and all the trimmings. (iStock)
Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, said she was “absolutely impressed” by the DLA’s work to bring Thanksgiving to servicemembers across the globe.
“They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose knowing that these meals mean far more than just food,” Harris told DOW.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called troops around the globe to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. (Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW)
This week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called troops around the world, including some in the U.S., to wish them a happy Thanksgiving and to thank them for their service.
DOW said that during one of the calls with troops, the video option was not working, so Hegseth quipped, “I can hear you loud and clear. In my mind’s eye, captain, you are a staggeringly handsome individual, as are all two dozen of the incredible sailors behind you.”
