Commanders serve Soldiers Thanksgiving meal

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterDecember 1, 2011

Commanders serve Soldiers Thanksgiving meal
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 1, 2011) -- Soldiers gathered at the Warrant Officer Career College consolidated dining facility Nov. 23 to have commanders from various units serve them a Thanksgiving meal that they might not have had the opportunity to experience.

Soldiers currently attending Survival Evade Resist Escape level-C training, the Noncommissioned Officers Academy, advanced individual training and Warrant Officer Career College -- some with and some without Family members -- came out to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal that was offered, according to Maj. Jason D. James, B Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment.

Many of the Soldiers miss the opportunity to enjoy any type of Thanksgiving celebration because they're going through the various training courses on post.

"I think it is outstanding that the installation offers a Thanksgiving [meal] to Soldiers," said James. "It is a huge morale boost to these Soldiers [going through] training."

It's also a way for the commanders of the various units to interact with the Soldiers and give something back to them for their hard work, said Capt. Troy Pounds, C Co., 1st Bn., 13th Avn. Regt.

"They work hard for us over the year," said Pounds, "It's our time to give back and give thanks for what they do for us every day and I think they get a kick out of us serving them."

The meal included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, pies, eggnog and a variety of other Thanksgiving standards.

Many of the units' commanders expressed their gratitude to the Soldiers for the work that they do.

"It is truly an honor and pleasure to [be able to] serve our Soldiers a Thanksgiving meal," said James.