Thank you. It's so easy to intellectualize war instead of focusing on the stories of individual people.
Thank you. Political leaders put our military where it lands. The overwhelming decency of those who serve our nation in this capacity is humbling. I still hope for world peace.
1
Thank You!
Well don't volunteer to be illegal invaders and occupiers of other sovereign nations all in the name of American hegemony and stealing their resources and you'll be home for Thanksgiving instead. Those people are villains, not heroes.
This piece was so well written and touching. Each story touched me. It made my Thanksgiving.
1
I loved the stories and the photos. One struck me especially, the guys in khakis, turkey and fixings, cellulose plates and plastic forks and knives. When I was in Vietnam, our meal was delivered by Huey helicopter out in the boonies, what a nice break from a daily diet of C-rations, and a reminder of how it was back in the real world.
1
My most memorable and there has been some good ones...was while deployed as the medical officer in the 1st 72 Armor to Kuwait out in the desert in 1996. They tried to make it into a kind of a Bob Hope deal, without Bob Hope... some kind of entertainment, a few good looking show girls... we had turkey with all the fixings, following military tradition, we officers served the boys in the chow line their well deserved Thanksgiving dinner, the highlight on the night came when under the desert stars thousands of packages of multicolored military grade chem lights (glow sticks) were distributed by the supply Sergeants and a 20 minute orgasm of lights sticks were tossed high in the air by the whole task force, every color, it was pretty cool, it went on and on, as soldiers just kept throwing them back up again, it sorta became a thing... then it was over and back to the sand we went. Those were the best sunsets that I've seen in my life and in that black night sky, the stars shone like their was no tommorow.
4
Semper Fi. Your fellow citizens at home are loyal & grateful to you.
3
Unlike Vietnam where the war was on the nightly news, there's little to remind us that we've been at war for 18 years.
The best Thanksgiving we could give our troops is one at home.
Could we have 18 years of peace now?
3
Our freedoms are not in anyway dependent on mercenary forces such as Blackwater nor the routine duty of our volunteer forces. In Iraq and Afghanistan, these heroes see less casualties per capita than the citizens of Boise, Idaho.
These prolonged wars have cost this nation trillions of dollars, yet a vigorous infrastructure initiative that would buttress our nation's health and our democracy can't win the vote of congress nor the approval of our military-industrial complex.
A genuine threat to our democracy is lounging in our White House and this corrupter just crassly pardoned military war criminals for political gain. To the vaunted SEALs: Women and children are not suitable targets for sniper practice nor the honing of knife skills. These soldiers receive good pay and benefits and fare better than many here in the States. This knee-jerk adoration began after 911 and is a significant factor in prolonging these needless wars.
5
@A. Reader I’m thankful we live in a country that protects the rights of citizens to - openly & freely - critique their government.
4
I read all of the stories shared here. And I am once again reminded how much we owe to the men and women who serve us so selflessly, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans. We ask so much of them, sometimes silently, and often without thanks.
Most touching to me was Sgt. First Class Adam Cook's story from Iraq in 2003, and the lesson of Ramadan fasting versus American Thanksgiving feasting. I must say, in the self-chosen comfort of my life, that fasting and sacrifice probably say more about saying thanks than feasting. So this Thanksgiving, I wish to give thanks to all the Americans who serve our country in the military and all government service, those who speak truth to all of America, not just their tribe. Thank you all.
6
I think we need one of these articles for Christmas too. Having come from a family of veterans, this article gives me a new meaning for Thanksgiving. It's very hard to be in the military and they deserve our thanks and much better pay and care than they get during and after they are out. A free gravestone is not enough.
4
Parodying Mr. Obama: People smile, cry, thrill, love, feed, work, play, live, thanks to the soldiers who ensure the fundamental goal of the human being, which is the pursuit of peace and harmony, made possible by democracy, which in its turn is founded on freedom, truth, courage and ethics.
8
There are few worse things a president can do than to harm our armed services. It is a national tragedy.
7
Heroes
6
One Thanksgiving, during a lull in my 24-year career while stationed overseas with my family, my young son was excited to accompany dad to the mess hall to help serve the troops. Since I had checked out what he was wearing, he had to check out my uniform. He looked at my dress blues and commented that I must be a hero with all the ribbons and medals. Jerking back a tear, all I said was no son, most of those are for the times I had to be away from you and Mom.
16
If you haven't been in the military you really have no idea what its like. I was in from Jan. 6th 1969 to Dec. 23rd 1971. Spent 2 winters in Japan and thanksgiving 1971 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I consider myself very lucky that I wasn't sent to Vietnam even though I volunteered twice. Every Thanksgiving since 1971 I think about the "turkey loaf" we were served in Cuba. Since Dec. 23rd 1971 "every day's a holiday and every meal's a feast". War is a racket so check out Smedley Butler's speech to Congress in 1940. Google it and spend 5 minutes listening as a tribute to those who have served, are serving or will serve in the future.
6
Thank you to all of our servicemen and women near and far, but especially to those who have to serve on the holidays while the rest of us enjoy warmth, comfort and the presence of family and friends.
18
In essence this is not our war. I have my thoughts and feelings about it as well.
I have never really thought what the soldiers go through on our behalf on a daily basis.
Thank you for this article both writers and soldiers.
Soldiers while many in the US don't care or hate for what you stand for or what you're doing remember there are so many here that are so grateful to you for what you're doing.
Thank you so much for your service to the US to serve and protect your country in anyway or means you can. Thank you.
Please I hope you have a quiet and blessed Thanksgiving
11
Thank You for this article. My son spent many tours and holiday's in Iraq and Afghanistan. Afghanistan in 2010 was the worst holiday for him to be away.
I will never forget the sacrifices our military makes for the USA to stay free.
Why are we still over in both countries? END THIS NOW! TOO MANY HAVE DIED! BRING THEM ALL HOME NOW!
11
Whether you agree or disagree with our military installations around the world ---remember each and everyone of our military members. And send them a silent wish and thanks on this Thanksgiving Day.
17
On Thanksgiving Day, 1944, 75 years ago, I was in a hospital in Paris recovering from wounds I had received on November 10. We were served a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. I enjoyed the meal even though I was not able to get to the dining hall. My hospital stay was a welcome respite from combat. My wounds were not that serious and I was back with my rifle platoon before the end of the year.
15
What memories! In 1993, I was in Sarajevo serving as the NATO liaison officer during the tragic Balkan conflict. My communications detail were the only other Americans in theater at that time.
Thanksgiving came and the terrific Danish soldiers who ran the chow hall were determined that we Americans would have a proper holiday meal.
The Danes had somehow procured turkeys but the problem was that the birds were frozen solid. Ever resourceful, they fired up a chain saw and cut the frozen turkeys into small pieces. Then, they placed them in boiling water until done.
There is a pretty good reason we do not eat boiled turkey but I remember the Danish cooks' thoughtfulness each Thanksgiving.
15
Well written. Informative. Thank you.
6
This was a great article, I would love to add a picture next year where can I send a photo? Thank you.
4
The 2007 comment... “not surprisingly the officer team got crushed” well, that’s because they weren’t Infantry Officers. The other branches officers defer most of their authority and winning spirt because the stakes are lower. the Infantry is a pirate ship, you are only in charge if you can fight off the challenges and earn respect... stop losing support officers!!!
2
We can debate it all day at another time, but no matter the complex circumstances that put these men and women in such far flung and dangerous places, they are real people, Americans doing what good Americans do. Helping and, for a few hopeful hours, crafting a bit of home through ingenuity and pluck, maybe sharing with the not-really-much-different people of the lands they are in. At the least we have a person in the White House who has never picked up a serving spoon or gravy ladle or washed a dish in his life. Hanging above all of us is his hand of power over the heads of these American military personnel he not only doesn't understand, but will never endeavor to understand. While also putting their lives in even more danger through his abandonment of American principles, and active consort with degenerate despots who are truly our enemies. These wonderful men and women are defending and preserving America, not him, for he has not only never earned it, he has spat on our society at every chance. And he pardons vicious war criminals the people in this article must surely find despicable and expendable. Even if he went, it would be a campaign cap photo op only. What am my odds this poor excuse even visits a troop on Thanksgiving. Except perhaps on a warm-weather base with a golf course. There is work to be done, America. There are no rationalizations, no excuses, to any American in the depths of personal truth inside every individual. There is no time to waste.
18
I am forever grateful and indebted to all who serve in our military who thought they would be protecting America from harm, & keeping america free. I find it heartbreaking to read so many experiencing the holidays deployed in far away countries. Some not even able to enjoy a meal, or be able to contact family or dealing with missle strikes, I can't imagine how hard psychologically that must be. We really need to stop sending our sons, daughters, husbands, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers etc to places where we are fighting political wars. Thank you to all men and women serving and I wish they would send the ones who sent you over to spend their holidays with you and away from their families. I wish they could experience the same sacrifices you make, maybe then we could end wars for politics and greed.
4
It's relatively amazing to me that for a "Thanksgiving" article... Very little is ACTUALLY said about the food service quality improvements made from 2002-present... Very little about the cooks and contractors (Brown & Root, Taimimi, and military especially) that were preparing meals for the 2-3k troops per meal 3 sometimes 4 times a day...
4
To serve in a war zone in time of conflict must certainly be one of the most stressful situations any people endure. To see their humanity shine through these difficult situations is a source of hope for the future. Thanks to all those who submitted their experiences and to those who will be away from their families this week.
5
Not to demean or defame any service member, but rather the politicians that put them in harm’s way, but after 18 years at war with Muslim countries what have we accomplished? In fact what have we accomplished with 75 years of intervention in the Middle East? IMO, nothing. For this our brave men and women service men must spend Thanksgiving away from their family.
4
Wonderful article, photographs and comments. The American Thanksgiving holiday has a long history of war-related markers. Not counting the fabled "first Thanksgiving" in 1621, the first Thanksgiving celebration of the nascent United States of America was celebrated in a field leading to Valley Forge by the then-General George Washington in 1777, during the War of Succession. The first proclamation of the newly-elected President Washington was to decree the 26 novembre 1789 a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer". In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, during the War Between the States, repeated the presidential Thanksgiving proclamation, and in November 1941, during WW2, FDR signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
6
It's time to end this "war on terror", which has not accomplished a thing, but has left us with a very large number of physically and psychologically maimed veterans. The only ones to have benefitted from this effort are the military-industrial complex, certainly not the people of these countries.
14
My Thanksgiving away in 2007 was in Mazar e Sharief Afghanistan. Camp Mike Spann was a training base that supported the training of the 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army. The highlight of this event was sharing our meal with our training partners consisting of German, Swedish, and Norwegian Soldiers. These Soldiers were amazed at how much support and the efforts our service went to ensure that we were taken care of during the holiday season.
13
While I was never in a combat zone for a holiday, I was alone for the first time last year for Thanksgiving. I don't enjoy remembering my time serving, but this article makes me feel obligated to remind myself that I had some really great brothers and sisters in arms who opened their homes and dinner tables to me for the holiday. I'm spending Thanksgiving day alone for real this year as a veteran, but I'm thankful for my friends who were so kind to me last year.
22
@Alyssa you're always welcome at the digruttolo household for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or any old time...veterans who have sacrificed for this country should never have to celebrate its holidays alone...we make a pretty mean turkey, but you see our lasagne!!
12
Thank you SO much for this - excellent Journalism. And thank you to everyone spends Thanksgiving in Conflict Zones - you are awesome.
12
Superb article.
Thanks. To the author and, more so, to the military people who do this dangerous and really hard work.
14
27 November 1969 Will always rank as one of the worst days of my tour and my life. My teammate was on his first patrol and I was worried about him and the rest of my unit as we flew into a hailstorm of fire with only half our unit. A long day and no Thanksgiving meal for us. The day always brings sad moments of reflection. Amazingly, we had no casualties, a dark day none the less. To all who are serving now, my thoughts are with you.
24
I can remember as a kid when the Vietnam war was raging and we'd watch NBC news at dinner time interviewing soldiers who were out in the field and ask them if the would be spending thanksgiving there or going home. Those scared kids would say, "I miss spending thanksgiving at home. I miss my family and having a turkey with all of the trimmings". My parents made some very disparaging remarks to this day that still haunt me. They were immigrants and didn't understand the importance of the holiday and how these young men were sacrificing their lives for this unnecessary war. Instead, because they had been through WWII and the 1949 Communist revolution in China, they thought these young mean were being indulgent. So sad. I want to thank all of veterans and troops for the very difficult job they are doing in the service of their country. It doesn't go unappreciated.
23
My eyes are watering and my breath is short. Thank you all for reminding us how wonderful we have it, and who we owe it to.
29
On Thanksgiving Day 2002 my Company 773rd Transportation out of Ft Totten Queens NYC flew out of McQuire Airforce base Ft Dix NJ to Kuwait. We were the first unit from NY State to deploy for the invasion of Iraq. We had no Thanksgiving meal that day. We were the only unit there with the Statue of Liberty patch of the 77th division(WW1 the Lost Battalion) there. We delivered fuel, supplies and unloaded ships throughout Kuwait. Before Xmas, we had one of the largest food poisonings of troops where we were stationed. All did return home safetly in time for Thanksgiving 2003.On Thanksgiving Day 2002 my Company 773rd Transportation out of Ft Totten Queens NYC flew out of McQuire Airforce base Ft Dix NJ to Kuwait. We were the first unit from NY State to deploy for the invasion of Iraq. We had no Thanksgiving meal that day. We were the only unit there with the Statue of Liberty patch of the 77th division(WW1 the Lost Battalion) there. We delivered fuel, supplies and unloaded ships throughout Kuwait. Before Xmas, we had one of the largest food poisonings of troops where we were stationed. All did return home safely in time for Thanksgiving 2003.
3
This article is about the men and women who protect our country and our freedom. It is not about politics or plastic as some have referred. Please remember that Thanksgiving is a simple holiday about being grateful. This year I will be making dinner for an active Marine who will be shipped out on Dec 5th for his first deployment at the age of 21. I plan on telling him how grateful we are that he is willing to put his life on the line for my family. Thank you Lance Corporal Tristan Chellete! God Bless America and may God keep you safe.
29
Reminds me a scene in a movie called Story of GIJoe where the radio announcer is reassuring families that their sons and fathers (it was WWII) were getting the same wonder turkey and fixings that they were enjoying.
My father was a career infantry officer, so we got a different story from him.
Hearing the same pitch as was in the movie, I asked my son when he returned from Afghanistan what he had for Christmas dinner, the answer was a MRE and a bottle of water.
9
Back in the Korean War my 97 y/o father-in-law was the engineer on a rescue boat rescuing downed pilots. They were 3 days without food when they pulled into port. One of his boat mates was like Radar in the TV series Mash. He would barter and trade to procure what his boat needed. It was Thanksgiving and he was in search of a turkey! He’s buddy made a deal with the kitchen on the Army base, a turkey if he could get the ice cream machine working. My father-in-law said “I don’t know anything about ice cream machines”... but he got it working. The turkey didn’t fit in their galley stove so they brought it back and the Army cooks roasted it for them.
One of many stories in his 31 years of military service. Spanning 4 wars.
41
In Vietnam, Thanksgiving 1969 our uniforms were different, but the story was/is the same.
8
This should be required reading for all
17
I wish all the American soldiers around the world would come home for next Thanksgiving.
17
How beautiful is this write up about the brave soldiers trying to have a "normal " Thanksgiving meal in such difficult and dangerous locations. I loved every single story. I cried with the sad ones. I laughed about the abundance of soda (and nothing else!) Thank you all for sharing. God bless you all.
14
Thanks for this article - It is humbling to read these stories, learn more of what the forces' lives are like and see how the holidays can transcend or accentuate their difficult days.
On the other hand, some comments were discouraging. Have we learned nothing since the sixties? No matter how we view these forever-ongoing wars, let's not forget the young men and women who are out there on the line, and not blame them for where they are, nor forget that they are doing their best, serving in hopes of making the world more safe.
10
I couldn't help but to notice in the photos that the military personnel were eating from plastic tablets, not even plates, with plastic cutlery. I find that disrespectful to the dignity of the military personnel and to the national holiday. (And I shudder to think of all that waste of, most likely nonrecyclable, plastic).
1
@Deborah A. Cecere Do you have any idea of the logistics involved with serving troops at remote outposts meals on dishes? I'm from the days of the metal mess kit and I'll tell you the paper & plastic trays are much more practical and far more sanitary than the old mess kit. No unit, not even the Air Force units, deploy with actual dinner plates. I know from experience that unit commanders do as much as they can to give their troops the best holiday meals they can within their logistical limits. Honestly I wouldn't be too concerned about non-recyclable plastics when we're using non-recyclable people, who are serving in bleak & dangerous conditions. They're barely on the radar for most Americans.
29
@K Love
“...not even the Air Force units...” This reminds me of a story that a former Green Beret told me about choppering into a major airbase in SVN, directly from a mission. He and his crew headed immediately for the NCO Club, muddy, sweaty and loaded down with weapons, grenades, etc. The club manager stopped them at the front door, and informed them that weapons weren’t allowed in the club. This guy replied, “You’ll have to excuse us- we live in a really bad neighborhood.” They entered without incident.
If you saw this guy, you would have let him in too-believe me.
8
@John E. I was an Army linguist on a deployment to Bright Star (a long time ago lol) my group was sleeping near in the open near the airfield at Cairo West, Egypt-we took chow with the Air Force-they had air-conditioned tents, I just couldn't get over that. When we finally joined up with the main force our chow tent didn't even have lights. We did have homemade biscuits every morning though-they gave the mess Sergeant an impact ARCOM for his excellent biscuits.
3
Being from a developing country, I was shocked to see how USA relentlessly advertises military to kids here on a daily basis.
10
If an Army moves on it's stomach ... Lord Bless that Cook.
Of all of the Wars that America has fought - ( for the right, or, for the Wrong reasons ), I so Honor our Soldiers in the Field. Their Courage, and their Commitment would make any Parent so proud. Back Home, we all sleep better tonight - for You All keeping Watch, wherever it is that you are Posted.
That being said; Thank you (!!!), so many great men and women, for your Service !! The folks back home sure wish you all had some better MRE's on Thursday, but, may we All sit down to a great Supper ~ when you come back Home.
15
I spent Thanksgiving at Ft. Knox, Karlsruhe, West Germany, Fr. Bragg (had dinner at a fast food fried chicken place), and DaNang, South Vietnam. That was my Army life, 1968-1972.
11
In an effort to provide fair and balanced reporting of the Thanksgiving Story, please also cover this week what it's like to get Thanksgiving dinner in a homeless shelter or food pantry, digging in to the background of what a struggle it is to feed people the other 364 days of the year.
Where is National Social Worker's Day?
22
'The Global War on Terror?!?!?!' That's a great example of newspeak.
How was the War in Iraq ever part of any 'war on terror?'
Iraq did nothing to attack the US. The US attacked Iraq based on blatant lies. The US used white phosphorus and depleted uranium rounds on Iraqi civilians.
I suspect that much of the world has a very different perspective on the US presence in the Middle East.
Many of our own troops that have served there question our presence there. I wonder where Pat Tillman's journals went? Glorified for his enlistment and fighting in Afghanistan, his friendly fire death was covered up and any trace of his writings disappeared. His compatriots said he had begun questioning the war there but we will never see his thoughts.
True support of our troops would keep them out of pointless wars. General Smedley Butler remains unknown to most Americans. His story and writings should be required reading for all. Americans
22
@cynicalskeptic
I am glad you mentioned General Butler, truly little known highest ranked Marine ever. He used the phrase “military industrial complex” well before General Eisenhower.
7
God bless you all that served and are serving in our military (home and especially, away). Part of giving thanks is to thank you all. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.
10
I was stationed at McChord AFB in the early 80's and Christmas was in the middle of the week and I chose not to take leave to go home. My boss provided me with a Christmas dinner that included all the fixings. She told me the dinner was a "Late" Thanksgiving meal because she practiced her Jewish faith and never wanted it said that she celebrated Christmas.
6
That turkey's eyes do not look optimistic.
5
@John Doe - At least he won't be waterboarded.
1
Bless these patriotic young women, men and transgender people.
They are trying to protect an America that no longer exists, thanks to all the mistakes that the President has made.
Iraq was a huge mistake. Afghanistan is worse. Both sides are evil. There is literally no solution to the conflict there.
If we really want to support our troops, we need to get them out of that country. Preferably before next Thursday.
5
As an Air Force brat, my only exposure to the Base Chow Hall was on major holidays, and the cooks went all out- great food, decorations, candy, nuts, desserts, etc.- a wonderful memory. Imagine my surprise years later, when I sat down to my first meal in Air Force basic training...
On a serious note, a family member invited her co-worker and kids to join us for Thanksgiving. During the meal, after she mentioned her husband several times, I asked where he was. She replied, "I don't know. He is underwater somewhere on a nuclear submarine." I have never forgotten that exchange.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our active duty, reserve and National Guard forces from a thankful vet.
33
The global war on terror you say? More like the propping up of the US economy and the military industrial complex.
23
I will take the opposing side. What this looks like is a rotten shame. Our best and brightest doing the dirty work for two utterly corrupt "governments". And most folks can quit the hollow "Thank you for your service" baloney. It would be more honest to say "Thank you for your service, so my kid didn't have to volunteer, now if you will excuse me, I have to go fill up my gigantic SUV with the oil you fought for"
45
@Fighting Sioux There is a place and a time. This is neither.
1
@Manny. We have Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, actually all holidays, and then every sports game (especially football the most violent of all sports) that have become idolatry for the military. Can't we just have one day to celebrate peace and love, family, and humanity. Yes, there is a place and a time and I think Thanksgiving is it.
All I can say is WOW and a huge thank you for this.
11
Outstanding piece on the current and former hero’s that protect us everyday. Touching and one that hopefully will drive the reader to action ..... one being an outreach to any military family you may know of that lives in your area. A “thank you” to their family member through them with any offer of any assistance you could provide them .... a meal, completing a chore, listening.... anything. Thoughts and prayers are always needed, but in-person assistance to those who miss their family member is invaluable. Please consider it. ..... you’ll be amazed the difference you can make
9
Beautiful work !
4
Very nice article. Reading the NYT is essential, but it takes a mental and emotional toll. Taking the time to reflect on the humanity presented in this piece was a needed respite.
15
As I look back, as an old man, all my best Thanksgivings, Christmases and November 10ths were those spent with the Marines in Viet Nam.
30
@jim allen Jim - bless you. I truly hope you are internally well. I applaud you service. My best
6
@jim allen Semper Fi, buddy.
Christmas Camp Pendleton 1963
Christmas & Easter 3rd Div Okinawa 1964
Easter at Danang 1966
Easter Dhahran 1991
All good because of the men I served with.
10
Thanks
To C.J. Chivers, his writing is always so eloquent. Would the Times be interested in doing a Christmas in a war zone? If you could include Vietnam I have a good story to share.
5
I can be a real mush when it comes to honoring our armed services personnel, so it was no surprise that I started tearing up right from the start of this article. A big shout out to these men and women who defend the freedoms we have. We will raising a rousing toast you at the table on the 28th.
15
Thank you for including Danny Markus, a civilian contractor. Most people don't realize just how many of us also gladly serve on the frontlines, facing nearly the same risks as our military colleagues.
16
I realize it. As an Army aviator I regularly deployed with civilian tech reps. I appreciate the sacrifices they make to support the troops in combat, as well as the sacrifices made by brave journalists who risk their lives, unarmed, to bring these stories to the world.
6
@Gee Kat Second that...And the same goes for other US gov civs too. I spent Thanksgiving 2003 and 2004 in scenic Iraq. Reading this article made me think about people pulling together and celebrating as much as they can in unusual places and times, grabbing onto the good where they find it.
Thank you. The very humanity of this article makes me admire and appreciate these men and women more.
19
Thank you for this very powerful article that reminds us of the sacrifices some are making for the rest of us. Also, it is nice for a change to read comments, every one of which reflects heartfelt gratitude for the contribution of our service men and women.
30
Very very fondly remember serving Thanksgiving to my soldiers in Korea, Bosnia, at FT Sill OK and in Germany....always a treat. We officers wore our dress blues. Certainly a lot safer than the stories in this article. After the meal in Korea, we drank, oh, about 17 gallons of red wine.
Being away from home on Thanksgiving was tougher than Christmas, I found, but the bonds of the military family are powerful strong.
25
I read the article and had tears in my eyes. I'm both Navy and police veteran who worked many holidays and ate many scavenged meals.
37
I clearly remember how strange and empty it felt to be separated from my previous life and were it not for my unit I would have had an empty day .. they made it better and the meal meant a great deal to me..
21
Great story! My story in the US Navy at Thanksgiving:The Marine Barracks on our Navy base was commanded by a Major. He would put up a sign up list for the Marines that were going to be in the barracks over Thanksgiving to join him and his family. Some Marines would sign up their compatriots as a joke and then these Marines were forced to eat Thanksgiving and be on their best behavior with their CO. Not everyone wants to eat with their CO!
24
Beautifully written piece. And thank you to the vets whose sacrifices kept them away from home and family. Happy Thanksgiving.
19
My son spent his first Thanksgiving at his new base, having just arrived from basic training. He hadn't yet made many friends, but his commanding officers made sure that he joined them for Thanksgiving dinner, assigning another soldier gave him a ride to the officer's house. This year will be his second Thanksgiving away from home, but he's excited to join his Army brothers and sisters for dinner at another officer's home. And this time, he will be the one on the lookout for new soldiers in need of a ride.
Thank you to the Times for this piece, and allowing civilians to remember our service men and women in all corners of the globe. My son may or may not be deployed, but reading the supportive comments brings me cheer, as do the stories and smiles in the photos.
52
I knew a young Navy CS (Culinary Specialist) who when assigned to a joint billet was given the unusual opportunity to do his 6 month deployment with an Army Special Forces ODA (a 12 man team) in a remote area of Afghanistan. His 6 months was up the week before Thanksgiving. He refused to go—“I have to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my guys”. Thankful for all our servicemen and women.
74
My Thanksgiving in 2004 was spent in Baghdad, Iraq. I was working the night shift in the MNSTC-I, J-3 so my Thanksgiving dinner was actually my breakfast meal since I had only woken an hour before. Needless to say I did not have much of an appetite for such a heavy meal at that time
8
Thank you, NYT and the authors of this piece. 19 years in all, 19 Thanksgivings. Our son spent one of them deployed in Afghanistan performing route clearance. We will never forget those who served.
31
I can remember helping the cooks in the galley of my Navy Minehunter one Thanksgiving 20 years ago. I made the gravy and the dressing while they prepared the main courses and other sides. A very nice memory that was all but forgotten until reading this wonderful NYT piece brought it back.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who serve and thank you for "relieving the watch." It's very much appreciated.
61
Thank you NYT for a beautifully written and moving tribute to our servicemen and women spending Thanksgiving far from home. May we remember them as we spend time here with our own family and friends.
39
I'm thankful for all who serve this country with honor and dignity.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of them!!
27
Nice article helping us to remember those who service in our military. It helped me remember a Thanksgiving I had in 1968 underway aboard a left over WW II LSD. I remember what a great meal the cooks laid out for us in very primitive conditions by todays standards. We really need articles like this so we don't forget these men and women. Times have really changed, in 1968 most men were either waiting to go into the service (drafted), in the service or a vet. Not so today.
37
Those who serve our nation honorably in uniform deserve our utmost respect and admiration—thanks to the Times for this reminder. Their sacrifices far from home let the rest of us enjoy the simple gifts of a holiday with family and friends.
And let us never forget those warmongers in high places who led us into a disastrous quagmire in Iraq, setting the world on fire.
54
Thanks to all who serve. And thank you, NYT, for helping me to start my day with humility and hopefully grace.
81
With gratitude and deep respect, thanks to all and have a good Thanksgiving. As part of our recogniton and respect, may we as a Nation honor those who serve with more support for the VA, and fully and honestly address pay and housing issues for these Americans and their loved ones throughout the year.
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I am preparing for my 7th deployment and will leave right before Thanksgiving. I had 2 prior deployed Thanksgiving meals and remember the great effort of families and workers there trying to bring a bit of home to austere bases far away.
Thanks for a touching article and God bless the government workers, NGOs, and military doing their jobs away from home this Thanksgiving.
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@Nelson
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God bless and keep you safe.
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Thank you for this powerful reminder of how complicated and occasionally tender our species can be.
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