DATE: November 28, 2019 3:03:58 PM CST

Soldiers across Fort Leonard Wood enjoy traditional Thanksgiving feast

Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 28, 2019) – Fort Leonard Wood held its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration Thursday in several of its dining facilities on post, with meals for service members and guests.

The meal included more than 3 tons of turkey, 1,200 pounds of shrimp, 1 ton of beef and 2,000 assorted cakes and pies with all of the accompaniments.

“It has always been a memorable day each year seeing everyone slowdown from the high intensity of training to pause and reflect in the American way with family and friends,” said William Moffitt, Installation Food Program manager. “Seeing the looks of excitement, relief and satisfaction on the faces of trainees and their newly found friends and battle buddies after finishing this feast is a sight to see.”

More than 300 food service employees prepare, and then serve the meal, with unit commanders.

“The Thanksgiving meal is our chance to make those trainees and leaders guiding them feel good, and to show our appreciation and understanding of what they are doing to be prepared for what they may have to do in the future.” Moffitt said.

Unit commanders at Fort Leonard Wood serve Soldiers the Thanksgiving feast Nov. 28. (Photo by Dawn Arden)
Maj. Gen. Donna Martin, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, speaks with Soldiers in training during the Thanksgiving meal served at Dining Facility 1792. (Photo by Dawn Arden)
Soldiers in training at Fort Leonard Wood enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. More than 300 food service employees prepare, and then serve the meal, with unit commanders. (Photo by Dawn Arden)
More than 3 tons of turkey, 1,200 pounds of shrimp, 1 ton of beef and 2,000 assorted cakes and pies with all of the accompaniments was served during traditional Thanksgiving meals at multiple dining facilities across Fort Leonard Wood Nov. 28. (Photo by Dawn Arden)

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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 more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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