No matter where troops are stationed, the Defense Logistics Agency makes sure they can expect the best possible meal for Thanksgiving.
While it is not exactly the same as being home, it is our job to provide that taste of home to the troops.
Army Col. Eric McCoy, director, DLA Troop Support Subsistence
So exactly how much does it take to feed the force?
- 4,925 whole turkeys
- 66,741 pounds of roasted turkey
- 80,546 pounds of beef
- 43,648 pounds of ham
- 44,384 pounds of shrimp
- 27,605 pounds of sweet potatoes
- 39,797 pies
- 7,032 cakes
- 5,804 gallons of eggnog
The preparation for the troops' holiday meal starts as early as April. Many ingredients for the meals are on hand at prime vendor locations by September, and the overseas locations start receiving high-volume items, like the turkeys and more than 131 tons of trimmings, in October.