World’s Largest Barbecue honors servicemembers for hard work, sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brandon Pollachek
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dyess Air Force Base and the partnership it has shared with the city of Abilene during that period.

For 41 years, the citizens of Abilene through the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee has hosted the World’s Largest Barbecue.

This year’s barbeque is scheduled to be held at the Abilene Civic Center tomorrow with two serving times: noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. All active-duty military, Guard, Reserve and DoD civilians and their dependents are welcome to attend.

The event is held as an opportunity to thank military personnel and their families for their service.

“Throughout the last 41 years, it has been the one day the city of Abilene sets aside to thank the men and women in the military for what they do for the country and Abilene,” said Gary Robinett, Abilene Chamber of Commerce director of military affairs.

The menu for this year’s event will include 3,000 pounds of beef, 700 pounds of sausage, 100 pounds of onions, 50 gallons of barbecue sauce, 500 pounds of ice tea, a ton of ice, 50 cases of cookies, and other barbecue favorites.

Families wishing to attend should pick up a ticket from their unit first sergeant. Only one ticket per family is necessary. At least one member of each family will need to present their military or DoD identification card for admission. There is no charge to attend the event.

More than 7,000 tickets have been given out at Dyess alone with many going to Airmen who have attended the event before.

“The barbecue is a very generous offering by the (military affairs committee). I appreciate the gesture very much,” said Senior Airman Benjamin Ly, 7th Comptroller Squadron budget analyst.

Airman Ly, who has attended two previous barbecues, said, “There is no better team than Dyess and Abilene.”

Family members with loved ones currently deployed are encouraged to attend. Airmen on duty during the barbecue will have meals delivered to them by Dyess first sergeants.

As a part of the festivities, base officials will present the Dyess Military Family of the Year award.