SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Thanks and turkey were plentiful at the 8th Theater Sustainment Command dining facility Nov. 28 at Schofield Barracks.
Delicately dressed cakes lay among heaping platters of roast turkey, steak, and vegetables. First sergeants and captains alike throughout the United States Army Pacific Command served soldiers and their families during the feast, keeping in line with the tradition of leadership serving their enlisted soldiers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The servers of the day had a lot to accomplish during their hour-long shifts. Hungry tummies couldn't wait to create an original plate of their favorite foods.
"I want to give back to my troops during the holiday season, and this was a great opportunity for me to interact with my soldiers and show them I care," said Capt. Benjamin Howard from the 8th Military Police Brigade.
Howard worked on the dessert line during the event.
The soldiers of the dining facility were busy with the hustle and bustle of more than 500 soldiers and family members passing through for two solid hours, yet, they were gratified to see their hard work and long nights for the event come to fruition.
"Seeing everybody come in with their families and enjoy the food really made all the preparation we put into the event worth it," said Pvt. Antoinette Brown, a food service specialist from the 45th Sustainment Brigade.
In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving fare, food service soldiers also displayed their culinary arts throughout the dining facility. The specialties included gingerbread houses, ice sculptures, and various cakes shaped as books, the American flag, and unit patches.
Maj. Gen. Steven Lyons, commander of the 8th TSC, presented awards to the soldiers whose work placed in the annual Army Culinary Arts Competition.
"I am thankful for all the soldiers who worked hard to prepare this meal for the soldiers and their families," said Maj. Florio Pierre, chaplain for the 45th Sustainment Brigade who attended the event with his own family. "It was a great chance to partake in a delicious meal and spend quality time with good friends."
Everyone left with satisfied faces and happy grins. The holidays have truly begun for Hawaii!
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