From Military.com:
“Less Roast
Turkey, More Shrimp: Here’s How Much Food Is Being Shipped to Deployed Troops
for Thanksgiving”
The serving
lines and long tables laden with food may be replaced with grab-and-go takeout,
but U.S. service members overseas won't be without their traditional
Thanksgiving meal, thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency. The organization,
responsible for distributing supplies to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine
Corps, Coast Guard and Defense Department installations worldwide, has sent 131
tons of gourmet eats for deployed troops to consume on Thanksgiving Day. Planning
began in early March -- back when America had fewer than 500 coronavirus cases
and toilet paper began flying off store shelves. "The holidays will look
quite different this year for everyone," Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence,
DLA Troop Support commander, said in a release. "I'm proud that our
workforce is doing everything possible to make sure our warfighters get a proper
holiday meal, especially since many of us will not be able to be with our
family and friends."
With fewer
troops stationed abroad this year than last, shipments of roasted turkey, beef
and ham are lower than previous years, but the amounts can still feed legions.
The DLA has shipped 51,000 pounds of roasted turkey -- a 24% decrease from last
year -- and 74,000 pounds of beef, down from 80,546. But more units are cooking
for themselves, as reflected in an uptick in the number of whole turkeys sent
overseas. More than 9,000 were shipped this year -- 4,075 more birds than last
year. The DLA has also sent 50% more shrimp to troops this year, for a total of
67,000 pounds. "We want to make sure they get that taste of home no matter
where they are in the world," Lawrence said. According to the DLA, many of
the ingredients had arrived by September, but the turkey and trimmings began
arriving at locations overseas in October. Most locations received all supplies
for meals by mid-November. In addition to the entrees, the DLA also provides
fixings, sides and desserts. Other items shipped this year include:
16,000 pounds
of sweet potatoes
19,000 pounds
of pie and cake
7,000 gallons
of eggnog
These holiday
rations will go to field kitchens, dining facilities and galleys for troops in
the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Honduras and
elsewhere. "Our supply chain takes the holidays very seriously," said
Army Col. Eric McCoy, DLA Troop Support subsistence director. "Our troops
are far away from home, and they definitely look forward to this meal.
Disappointing them is not an option."
^ It’s
important to give American Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen/women a real
Thanksgiving meal no matter where they are in the world. ^
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