DLA Team Delivers Thanksgiving Meals to Troops Worldwide
Wherever American service members are stationed this Thanksgiving, they can still enjoy the familiar taste of a holiday meal. The Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support Subsistence team once again coordinated a large global effort to deliver traditional food to troops across the world.
Extensive Planning Behind Holiday Support
This year, the team moved more than 380,000 pounds of Thanksgiving food, making it one of the agency’s biggest annual supply operations.
Robin Whaley, DLA’s chief of subsistence for overseas customers, said the mission remains essential for troop morale.
“It is the most meaningful event for the warfighter and their families,” Whaley said. She added that careful planning and detailed coordination ensure every shipment arrives on time.
Unique Requirements Each Year
Troop numbers and locations constantly change, which makes the ordering process demanding.
John Sheehan, director of customer operations for Troop Support Subsistence, explained the challenge.
“Holiday requirements are like fingerprints—no two are the same,” he said. “Demands shift each year based on troop strength and preferences.”
Pride in Serving the Warfighter
Team members said the mission brings a sense of satisfaction.
Army Master Sgt. Jose Montero, the noncommissioned officer in charge, described the pride he feels in the effort.
“We give warfighters a piece of home,” Montero said. “Knowing our team worked hard so every service member has a hot Thanksgiving meal is an incredible feeling.”
For Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a military food advisor, this year marked her first time supporting the planning phase.
“I’m truly impressed by the team’s dedication,” she said. “They treat each holiday with purpose because they know these meals mean more than just food.”
What Troops Will Receive This Thanksgiving
Military dining facilities worldwide will receive a wide variety of traditional holiday items, including:
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152,626 pounds of turkey
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124,022 pounds of beef
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66,054 pounds of ham
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38,081 pounds of shrimp
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6,512 cans of sweet potatoes
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15,282 cases of pies and cakes
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792 cases of eggnog
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Additional seasonal desserts and treats
DLA’s Ongoing Global Mission
Each year, DLA Troop Support provides the U.S. armed forces with more than $25 billion in food, uniforms, protective gear, medicine, and construction supplies. This ongoing work ensures service members receive the support they need wherever they are deployed.
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