Abilene presents 49th Annual World’s Largest Barbecue

The Abilene Military Affairs Committee presents the 2014 Military Family of the Year Award to the Paredes Family April 12, 2014, at the Civic Center in Abilene, Texas. The purpose of the award is to recognize a military family who has contributed to the military and local community through volunteer service and community involvement. The MAC presents the award annually at the World’s Largest Barbecue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

Abilene presents 49th Annual World’s Largest Barbecue

The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee held the 49th Annual World’s Largest Barbecue April 12, 2014, at the Civic Center in Abilene, Texas. The MAC holds this event annually as a thank you to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. More than 5,000 active duty military, retirees and their families attended the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

Abilene presents 49th Annual World’s Largest Barbecue

Lou Paulsen, a volunteer at the 49th Annual World’s Largest Barbecue, serves Alexa and Abigail beef brisket April 12, 2014 at the Civic Center in Abilene, Texas. Alexa and Abigail are the daughters of Lt. Col. Scott Higginbotham, 7th Operations Group. The barbecue was made possible with the help of more than 190 volunteers and a dozen barbecue handlers, also known as the “Dirty Dozen”. The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee had more than 3,300 pounds of beef donated to feed more than 5,000 active duty military, retirees and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant/Released)

Abilene presents 49th Annual World's Largest Barbecue

Published April 16, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee held the 49th Annual World's Largest Barbecue April 12, at the Abilene Civic Center.

Each year the MAC sponsors the barbecue to thank and recognize all servicemembers in the Big Country area.

"We recognize when servicemembers deploy, there may be a spouse and children at home who must be supported." said Gray Bridwell, chairman of the MAC. "Their loved ones depart to keep our nation safe, and we think they deserve recognition for their service."

The barbecue was made possible with the help of 190 volunteers and a dozen barbecue handlers, also known as the "Dirty Dozen".

"It's extremely important to the Abilene community to keep our partnership with Dyess Air Force Base successful," Bridwell said. "We recognize Dyess protects our great nation, serves our community and our citizens daily."

More than 5,000 military personnel and their families were served with the following:
· 3,300 lbs. of beef
· 600 lbs. of sausage-style beans
· 50 lbs. of onions
· 50 cases of cookies
· 50 gal of barbecue sauce
· 500 gal of iced tea
· One ton of ice
· 300 loaves of bread
· 300 gal of ranch dressing
· 1,000 lbs. of coleslaw

The annual event has been a servicemember favorite for nearly half a century, and many expressed thanks for being appreciated.

"My wife and I express gratitude to the Abilene Military Affairs Committee for dedicating the World's Largest Barbecue to the Team Dyess community," said Master Sgt. Carlos Cervantes, 7th Bomb Wing. "The City of Abilene genuinely cares for servicemembers and their families."

The MAC also annually presents an award to recognize a military family who has contributed to the military and local community through volunteer service and community involvement. They enlist the 7th Bomb Wing, the 317th Airlift Group and the Marine detachment for potential honorees.

The Paredes Family was selected as this year's Abilene Military Family of the Year by the MAC.

"There are so many wonderful families at Dyess," Bridwell said. "There's such a seamless relationship between Abilene and the men and women in blue."

The Abilene community shows great appreciation to Team Dyess by saying, "thank you" to all active duty members, reservists, guardsmen, Department of Defense personnel and their families.

"Abilene loves Dyess Air Force Base," said Doug Williamson, co-chairman of the World's Largest Barbecue. "When I see servicemembers in uniform, I think about how they're making a better world for my grandchildren."