By Patty Sheats
For our servicemen and women in war zones, Thanksgiving can hold homesickness, gratitude, camaraderie, and danger—all in the same day. Their experience depends greatly on where they are stationed and what their mission requires.
The mission continues. Patrols, guard duty, flights, and other responsibilities do not stop for the holiday. Veterans have described spending Thanksgiving in foxholes, aboard submarines, or flying combat patrols. Some get time to celebrate; others fit a meal around their duties. VA News
A familiar meal can mean a great deal. Military cooks and supply teams work to bring turkey and traditional fixings to deployed troops. At larger bases, that may mean a full holiday dinner. At remote outposts, where troops ordinarily rely on packaged meals, getting a hot Thanksgiving meal can take considerable effort. An Army account from Afghanistan describes troops sharing that small comfort while working in an unpredictable, hazardous environment. defense.gov
The people beside them become their holiday family. Sharing food and familiar traditions can offer comfort, even while reminding them of the people missing from the table. Soldiers interviewed in Afghanistan described celebrating with their combat family as the next best thing to being with family at home. The United States Army
There is no single way they feel. For some, it is a meaningful break and a cherished memory with their unit. For others, it is a difficult day of missing home—or simply another workday to get through. A holiday meal can bring a little of home within reach, even when home is very far away.
