World's Largest Barbecue returns to Dyess

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE. Texas --  For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce's World's Largest Barbeque was held at Dyess Air Force Base, marking the 50th anniversary of the event.

This year's barbeque was held in conjunction with the 2015 Dyess Big Country Airfest, the Dyess open house and airshow, which showcased the core missions of the Air Force and other branches of the U.S. military. Additionally, the weekend of the barbecue coincided with events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first B-1B Lancer and 60th anniversary of the first C-130 delivered to the Air Force.

"We were honored to be part of the 30-50-60 celebrations; it made us truly feel like Team Abilene/Dyess," said Debra Morotini, Abilene Chamber of Commerce director of military affairs and special projects. "The 50th anniversary took more coordination because we brought it back to where we started: the base. The chairmen and women of the event and volunteers wanted it to be special for all."

The event started on Dyess in 1965. After several years of poor weather it was moved off-base to the Abilene Civic Center where it could accommodate more people. This year upon its return, it was held in Dyess' newest two-bay hangar on the flight line. As military spectators and their families left the airshow, they were treated to the free meals served by MAC members and volunteers.

"My family and I enjoyed this year's barbecue very much, it enabled us to have fellowship with not just each other but with friends and also complete strangers," said Master Sgt. Scott McDaniel, 7th Bomb Wing Director of Staff first sergeant. "I also enjoyed the Barbecue being hosted on base because it gave those in the military who were working during the airshow an opportunity to take part in the festivities."

"I felt right at home at the World's Largest Barbecue," said Shane German, Air Force Academy Wing of Blue cadet. "I'd have to say the best part of the show though was the people. All the people we met were so incredibly friendly and hospitable."

The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee hosts the World's Largest Barbeque each year to display the community's gratitude for service members and their families.

"This event is important to the Abilene/Dyess relationship," Morotini said. "We want our military and their families to know that we appreciate their daily sacrifices and are here to help their families while they are deployed."

Money raised for the event by the MAC originates from annual membership dues, organizational donations and fundraising events. The MAC works to maintain and build upon the relationship between Dyess and the Abilene community through programs like the barbecue and honorary commander program.

This year, volunteers prepared and served 3,000 pounds of beef, 600 pounds of sausage, 50 gallons of barbecue sauce, 300 loaves of bread, 500 gallons of ice tea, 300 gallons of ranch style beans, 1 ton of ice, 1,000 pounds of coleslaw and 50 cases of cookies.

An estimated 3,500 military members and their family members were served during the event.  

"The support is awesome," McDaniel said. "I have been stationed at places that claim to be military friendly, but none compare to Abilene and the Big Country. By far my best assignment when it comes to support from the civilian community."