It took four months to plan for the annual Thanksgiving meal at Fort Belvoir's Dining Facility and four days to set up for the meal served, Nov. 28, but it was all worth it according to Larry Forney, the facility's project manager.
Servicemembers, retirees, Defense Department civilians and their Family members enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal served by unit leaders.
"It's our way of giving back," Forney said. "It is a good way to bring them in here, give them a great meal and to show our appreciation for what they do."
Thanksgiving is a holiday that people usually celebrate with Family and friends. However, many servicemembers cannot get home to see their Families, so the DFAC serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal during the holiday.
The community was treated to turkey, tenderloin, ham and flounder. The side dishes included mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and corn on the cob. About 450 people attend the event each year.
Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson said that attending the event reminded him of how much he has to be thankful for. He said the garrison is fortunate to have very dedicated DFAC staff members, who decorated the facility for the event.
"It looks wonderful," Gadson said of the facility. "This is our one and only dining facility and our folks take a lot of pride in it. They have really done an outstanding job."
Sgt. 1st Class David Beaty, senior human resources noncommissioned officer for the 3300 Strategic Intelligence Group, attended the event with his wife, Connie. While he was standing in line, he said he looked forward to having some turkey.
It was great that the garrison sponsored the event for the community, Beaty said.
"Last year, I came here and they did a very good job with putting everything together," he said. "I was impressed, so I wanted to bring my wife this year."
The event gets better each year, said Harold Nelson, a retired member of the Army. He attended the event with his wife, Betty, his daughter, Alice, and his grandson, 13-year-old Charles.
"It is the greatest thing in the world," Harold said, alongside his wife. "We have been coming to dining facilities ever since we were first married in 1961."
Alice Nelson said she always looks forward to eating a Thanksgiving meal at the DFAC.
"It is good to be here," she said. "It is like a big Family here."
Stella Melville of Alexandria sat down at a table with a tray full of food that included turkey and collard greens. Her husband, Norman, passed away and he served with the U.S. Navy. Melville attended the event at the DFAC with a friend last year and decided to come back this year.
"The food here is delicious," Melville said. "It is very good."
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