WACH leaders serve up Thanksgiving meal, cheer and fellowship

FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- Soldiers from the Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH), the National Training Center (NTC) and Fort Irwin garrison were treated to a special meal in honor of Thanksgiving on November 18, 2015 at the hospital DFAC.

The officers and non-commissioned officers of the WACH cheerfully served turkey, ham, yams and other Thanksgiving trimmings in keeping with the Army tradition of leaders serving a holiday meal to their subordinates.

WACH leadership joins other Fort Irwin commands and repeats the service Thanksgiving week to service members and families at another, larger DFAC located on post.

Leadership and hospital staff also proactively sponsor an annual program of placing single Soldiers with no place to go with local families who have generously opened their doors and tables on Thanksgiving.

"If you have not visited the post there's really no way you can really understand the isolation of the Mojave Desert and Fort Irwin." said Captain Megon Thurman, a MEDDAC Nutritionist at the WACH. "For many people that isolation is brought home on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas -- especially if this is their first year stationed with us."

Speaking about the program, WACH commander Col. Jason Wieman said "It's not just about food and good company on a special day; it's about keeping fellowship with people who may be having a tough time away from their families and friends." he said. "Beyond all the holiday trappings and traditions is the spirit of the holiday, that's the most important thing -- and what the program is really about."

To learn more about the people and facilities of the Weed Army Community Hospital and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin visit the official NTC website at www.irwin.amedd.army.mil.

Related Links:

Weed Army Community Hospital on Facebook

The Weed Army Community Hospital

National Training Center Fort Irwin

Weed Army Community Hospital on Flickr