An Air Force family Thanksgiving

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  With smells of home cooked food and the sounds of laughter and conversation, Airmen enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal together at the Chapel 2 Annex, Nov. 28.

The Thanksgiving meal was put together by the First Sergeants Council with the help of Barksdale's leadership and private organizations.

"I tapped all the resources we had, including the private orgs, and held a meeting to develop a game plan," said Master Sgt. David Bedner, First Sergeants Council president. "Each organization was responsible for bringing desserts, side dishes and utensils and the commanders and chiefs were responsible for the turkeys and hams. Everyone pulled their own weight and there ended up being more than enough food for our Airmen."

More than 30 volunteers help set up the luncheon and along with base leadership, served the food to the Airmen.

"I remember as a young Airman in the dorms I would go to the Dining Facility for holiday meals, but since our DFAC is closed, the Airmen who were unable to go home or be with family wouldn't have had a Thanksgiving meal to enjoy," said Tech. Sgt. Saray Moniz, 2nd Medical Support Squadron. "It's sweet to see the commanders and first sergeants serving a big meal, taking time away from their families to show the Airmen they're important and that they do have a support system."

Prior to the start of the Thanksgiving luncheon, to-go boxes were put together for the Airmen who were still working.

"We sent runners to hand deliver the boxes sent to the shift workers and security forces Airmen including the Airmen working at the Fire Department, lodging and command post," Bedner said. "All the ones who can't get out, we're making sure they get a meal as well."

The Airmen who were able to attend the luncheon though were overwhelmed by the amount of food cooked just for them by their leadership and coworkers.

"I'm very thankful to have this meal," said Airman 1st Class Romeo Levi, 26th Operational Weather Squadron. "If they didn't do this for us, I probably would be eating cereal or something. Instead, I get to have awesome ham, deviled eggs, yams... there's a lot."

Another 26th OWS Airman has only been at Barksdale for a few weeks and though newly married, is also away from his family and is thankful for the meal.

"It's still a little weird seeing all of the base leadership here but it's awesome they provided a great Thanksgiving for the Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Darren Gonsalves. "We're able to relax a bit."

With thousands of Airmen across the Air Force away from their home and even serving overseas, the theme of the Air Force family is prominent.


"The mission doesn't move forward with our Airmen," Bedner said. "I know it's tough at times to be away from family and friends, but any time there's an opportunity enjoy fellowship with other Airmen during the holidays, you know you're still with family."