Abilene MAC invites all military members and family to the World's Largest BBQ

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Will Powell
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee is scheduled to host the 43rd annual Armed Forces Barbeque at the Abilene Civic Center April 19. 

The dinner, commonly known as the "World's Largest Barbecue," will have serving times from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. 

The free dinner is open to all servicemembers currently serving in the military and their families. Spouses of deployed military members are also welcome, as are members of the National Guard, Reserves, and Department of Defense civilian employees. 

Tickets for the barbeque are available from unit first sergeants, but are not required for the event. The free tickets are used merely to help advertise the dinner and as a personal reminder. Military identification cards, however, are required and will be checked at the door. 

Since the annual event is not open to the general public, the MAC uses the dinner to express its appreciation to the military members and their families for being part of the Abilene community and for what they do for the country, said Rob Barnhill, barbeque chairman. 

"This is just a small token of Abilene's appreciation for what the men and women of the armed forces - especially Dyess - do for us," he said. 

The World's Largest Barbecue is a continuing tradition between Dyess and the surrounding Abilene community. In addition to honoring all Dyess Airmen and their families each year with the banquet, the MAC recognizes one or two individual families with the Dyess Family of the Year Award. The award recognizes military families who have contributed to the military and the local community through volunteer service and community involvement. The award will be presented at approximately 12:30 p.m. 

The menu for this year's event will include approximately 3,000 pounds of brisket, 600 pounds of sausage, 300 gallons of ranch-style beans, 500 gallons of iced tea, 50 cases of cookies, and other barbecue favorites. 

"It's as good a meal or better than any meal you'll get in a restaurant," Mr. Barnhill said. 
"We don't skimp or spare any expense. We want to give military members and their families a good meal, and that's what we do." 

For more information or for tickets, contact a unit first sergeant or public affairs.