A change of venue for Thanksgiving meal, but not in spirit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR BASE, Texas --  This year's Team Dyess Thanksgiving meal was distributed in a different location from recent years; for the first time, the turkey, baked ham and all the fixings were served at the Dyess Hangar Center Commons.

In the past, Airmen who lived in the dorms on base had the opportunity of enjoying the holiday meal just seconds from their dorms at the Longhorn Dining Facility. However, with the dining facility's ongoing transformation, 7th Force Support Squadron Airmen transported food from the kitchen in the facility to the Hangar Center. Normally, these special event meals would be cancelled because of the dining facility upgrades, however base leadership wanted to ensure the event took place.

"You very rarely see events like this under these circumstances," said Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Hoellwarth, 7th FSS flight kitchen manager. "With the DFAC closed, being able to provide this service means even more now than before."

Hosting the meal at the Hangar Center allowed for more than just Airmen in the dorms to attend the meal as it was open to all service members, their dependents and retirees. The setting provided an area for customers to socialize with other patrons and members of Team Dyess while enjoying a full meal in the company of the 7th Bomb Wing commander, command chief master sergeant and other group and squadron commanders and first sergeants.

"It's a tradition we have every year here," said Staff Sgt. Stephon Gaines, 7th FSS storeroom manager. "We want to provide a safe and comfortable place where people can come and enjoy a home cooked meal without having to worry about any more than that."

Just like any other Thanksgiving meal, events like this don't coordinate themselves. Hoellwarth credits her team for making the event possible. Many of the Airmen who volunteered to cook the meal arrived at the kitchens before 6 a.m.

"Our team dedicates so much to provide the decorations, food and atmosphere for these events," Hoellwarth said. "Many of them will begin working before most people are awake and work through much of their own holiday. Without them, this event would never have been possible."