DATE: November 17, 2021 9:57:24 AM CST

Fort Leonard Wood dining facilities getting ready for Thanksgiving

Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 17, 2021) — Fort Leonard Wood plans to hold its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration on Nov. 25 in 13 dining facilities on post, with meals for service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of Defense ID cardholders, retirees and their families.

According to Beverly Leggett, Installation Food Program manager, plans are set to serve more than 13,000 meals during the lunch celebration, and 31,000-plus meals throughout the day — utilizing 8,000 pounds of turkey, 1,500 pounds of shrimp, 2,000 pounds of prime rib and 3,000 assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.

More than 600 food-service employees prepare the feast and serve it alongside senior leadership.

“I consider the Thanksgiving meal on Fort Leonard Wood to be the ‘Super Bowl of Food Service’ which highlights the talent and commitment of food service professionals and comradery, which we see displayed across the installation,” Leggett said. “Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with family and friends, and for every service member that is training here on Fort Leonard Wood, their table will look different — the faces will be different — but the warmth which is felt will remain the same. It is with great honor that for every slice of turkey, candied sweet potato, assorted salads and delicious festive deserts, we serve those who serve. ”

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, this meal will be similar to last year’s requirements, Leggett said.

“While we are still navigating through uncharted territory, masks are required (except while eating), social distancing and continued sanitation measures are practiced in all facilities,” she said.

The Thanksgiving Day meal this year is open to DOD ID cardholders, retirees, Gold Star families and veterans with access to the installation. They are welcome to dine from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Bldg. 6111, located at 6111 Indiana Ave.

The Logistics Readiness Center, Bldg. 3223, will serve the Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy and Basic Officer Leader Course Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24 and close Nov. 25 — they will re-open with the breakfast meal on Nov. 29.

The Thanksgiving holiday meal rate is $9.55 for all visitors, except spouses and other dependents of service members E4 and below, who pay the discounted holiday meal rate of $7.10.

“2021 has been a challenge,” Leggett said. “In the midst of an ever-changing climate, I have seen the dedication between the workforce made up of primarily active military, DOD civilians and contractors consistently driving change. Daily, I see this community give 100 percent, and every day I am grateful to be a part of an amazing team.”

Dining Facility assignments, Nov. 25:

DFAC 653 (2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 754 (2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 820 (1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 836 (3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 908 (795th Military Police Battalion), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 930 (787th Military Police Battalion), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 1010 (169th and 554th Engineer Battalions), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 2105 (43rd Adjutant General Battalion), 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DFAC 1784 (Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 1792 (84th Chemical Battalion and 58th Transportation Battalion), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DFAC 6111 (6111 Indiana Ave.), will have two dining rooms open to support retirees, Gold Star family members and DOD ID card holders, and guests, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Fort Leonard Wood plans to hold its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration on Nov. 25 in 13 dining facilities on post, with meals for service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of Defense ID cardholders, retirees and their families. More than 13,000 meals are typically served during the lunch celebration, and 31,000-plus meals throughout the day at the annual event. (Photo by Mike Curtis, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office)

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.

More information about Fort Leonard Wood is at: https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/about/mission