Fort Riley, Kan. - On Thanksgiving Day, homes across the country will be filled with the smell of turkey and stuffing and the sounds of a football game coming from the television.
At Fort Riley, not every Soldier will be able to make it home for the holiday, but the post's dining facilities are bringing a taste of Thanksgiving to them and a spirited competition with it.
The installation's chow halls will be hosting a Thanksgiving competition being judged by the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley command groups.
Scoring will be based on each facility's Thanksgiving atmosphere and dAfAcor, garnishment of food items, appearance of staff, and overall taste of the food.
Chief Warrant Officer Travis Smith, the 1st Inf. Div. command food advisor, said the competition is a great way to bring the holiday to the Soldiers who can't make it home.
"We're trying to make it the best we can for those Soldiers who can't make it home for the holidays," he said.
The judges of the competition will go to Hell's Kitchen on Camp Funston, the Devil's Den on Custer Hill, and the Main Post Dining Facility on Thanksgiving to determine a winner.
The Dragon's Lair will be judged on Nov. 25.
Senior leaders from each of the brigades and the division headquarters will be serving at the dining facilities, which Smith said is an important way they display gratitude for the Soldiers.
"It's a good opportunity for them to show their appreciation for the Soldier, just say thanks, and to give a little bit back," Smith said. "Even that little bit is big for the Soldiers."
The division command group will dine at the winning dining facility while the garrison command group will dine at the runner-up.
The holiday meal rate is $6.35 and applies to all ranks to include guests and visitors, while the discount holiday meal rate is $5.40 for the Family members of specialists and below.
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