The Main Post Chapel at White Sands Missile Range was a vibrant hub of warmth and togetherness as the latest holiday season begins. Senior Enlisted Leaders from all the military branches led by Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes F. Acevedo coordinated a Noncommissioned Officer-led Thanksgiving lunch on Nov. 18, a heartfelt endeavor aimed at bringing joy to single and geographically separated servicemembers. This event was not just about providing a meal; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and community for those away from their families during the holiday season.
The Frontier Club offered all of the Thanksgiving fixings, including turkey, stuffing, and pie, enticing all who entered. Volunteers provided decorations to adorn the tables, each lovingly set for an afternoon dedicated to gratitude and fellowship.
NCOs and officers representing all branches and units at WSMR greeted about 100 single servicemembers as they arrived for lunch, including White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander, Col. Andrew Morgan.
As everyone settled at their tables, the spirit of Thanksgiving filled the room. The Noncommissioned Officers took to the front, ready to serve food and offering words of appreciation for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals. They acknowledged the challenges of being away from family during the holidays, creating a space where everyone felt valued and recognized.
Morgan shared his most memorable Thanksgiving experience, which took place at the International Space Station. He fondly recalled sharing a can of cranberry sauce with the crew members on board, many of whom had never celebrated Thanksgiving before. That moment truly brought everyone on the space station together.
"My hope for you guys is that you will create these new bonds. Thanksgiving is not about the food, not about the cranberry sauce or the turkey, it's about the people you share it with," said Morgan. "Whether you have spent Thanksgiving away a dozen times or this is the first time, this is your family now. We are your family; we are all part of the same family, and we are thankful for you. Thank you for your service, let's eat."
Food was shared, icebreaker activities were enjoyed, and, most importantly, the sense of community was palpable. It was more than just a lunch; it was a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds that unite them, regardless of the distance from their loved ones.
The Thanksgiving lunch at White Sands Missile Range was a resounding success, a day filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude—a poignant reminder that even when they are miles away from home, they carry a piece of it with them in the friendships they forge.
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