This Thanksgiving, American service members can look forward to holiday favorites because of the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) team.
The Department of War announced that the military has procured over 380,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving and holiday foods this year, marking one of DLA’s largest annual endeavors. According to the department, the precise ordering process is impacted by the varying numbers of troops stationed worldwide.
“Holiday requirements are unique,” John Sheehan, TSS director of customer operations, told DOW. “The shifting demand for different holiday items depends on the changing troop requirements and preferences each year.”
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This year, military dining facilities will receive 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 potato, 15,282 cases of pies and cakes, and 792 cases of eggnog, in addition to other holiday treats.
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Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, expressed that she was “absolutely impressed” by the DLA’s efforts to deliver Thanksgiving to service members around the world.
“They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose, understanding that these meals symbolize much more than just food,” Harris told DOW.
This week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made calls to troops worldwide, including those in the U.S., to extend his Thanksgiving greetings and express gratitude for their service.
DOW reported that during one call with troops, the video function was malfunctioning, prompting Hegseth to joke, “I can hear you perfectly. In my imagination, captain, you and the two dozen remarkable sailors behind you are exceptionally handsome.”
