First Army hosts Thanksgiving feast for Soldiers, civilians, Families

By W. Wayne MarlowNovember 20, 2014

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ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The holidays got off to an early start for First Army Soldiers, civilians and Family members Thursday when they participated in First Army's 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon.

First Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, said the event was a great opportunity for staffers to get to know each other.

"We're here to enjoy fellowship with each other," he said. "There are a lot of things to be thankful for, and I'm thankful for the headquarters staff."

Tucker also expressed his appreciation for the year-round support given to service members by residents in the Arsenal area. "I want to thank the community in which we live," he said. "I have never been in a community as warm to the military as Quad Cities."

After First Army command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young, ceremoniously sliced the turkey with a saber, the feasting began. Dishes of turkey, ham, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and much more covered more than a dozen tables.

"The food is incredible; I can't believe it," said Kristin G. Heck, a Department of the Army civilian. "There's so much variety that I couldn't figure out what to take. I had adobo chicken from the Philippines, so it's more than just the traditional dishes."

Keeping with the theme of the season, Heck added, "I work with such a great group of people. If I could be thankful for one thing, it's these people right here."

Sgt. 1st Class Francis S. Cavazos said he is also thankful for First Army. "It's a good assignment," he said. "It's always good to have a chain of command that supports you, and it says a lot to have a spread like this. It's a lot of commitment to put this together, and it shows how much they care about the Soldiers, civilians, and Family members."

Julie Maxwell, a First Army family member, said the occasion showed how close the First Army organization is.

"It's so nice that they would put on something like this," she said. "I'm thankful for this Family away from Family."

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