Thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support Sustainment (TSS) team, service members across the nation can enjoy some traditional holiday favorites this Thanksgiving.
This year, the military managed to secure over 380,000 pounds of typical Thanksgiving food and festive treats. The Ministry of the Army noted that the number of troops stationed globally can complicate the ordering process.
“Holiday needs are unique, almost like fingerprints,” said John Sheehan, the director of customer affairs at TSS. “The changes in demand for holiday items reflect the varying preferences of the troops, which can shift year by year.”
Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, who serves as a Military Food Advisor for TSS, expressed her admiration for DLA’s efforts in delivering Thanksgiving to military personnel around the globe. “They approach each holiday with pride and a sense of purpose, recognizing that food is more than just sustenance,” she stated.
This year’s inventory for military canteens includes 152,626 pounds of turkey, 124,022 pounds of beef, 66,054 pounds of ham, 38,081 pounds of shrimp, 6,512 cans of sweet potatoes, and 15,282 cases of pies and cakes, along with 792 cases of eggnog and other seasonal treats.
In a related note, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reached out to troops worldwide, wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude for their service. He lightheartedly remarked during a video call, despite technical difficulties, that he imagined the troops were as handsome as he envisioned.
