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Serving up gratitude: Annual Thanksgiving tradition keeps on going

  • Published
  • By Alfredia McGill
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Team Tinker commanders held a change of command ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 22, but it wasn't the usual ceremony with the passing of the guidon. 
   This change of command involved base leadership taking on the role of serving junior enlisted Airmen, Sailors, retirees and their families Thanksgiving dinner. 
   When Vanwey Dining Facility officials opened the doors for dinner at 11 a.m. Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, and Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing commander, were already in place and carving the turkey and steamship round as the honored guests entered the serving line. 
   Other members of Tinker's senior leadership were dishing out green beans, corn and yams and serving them with smiles as military members and their families came through the line, while other leaders were busing tables. In all, 18 commanders donned aprons, hats and gloves to serve Thanksgiving dinner. 
   Senior leadership has traditionally served meals to the single Airmen and Sailors, who live in dormitories on base and are unable to go home for the holiday, as a way of saying thank you for their service and dedication to America and the United States Air Force. 
   "This tradition has been going on for the last 18 years and the personnel at Vanwey are proud to be a part of the tradition," said Nancy Killmeyer, facility manager. 
   "The Dale Rogers Center personnel feel honored that they have the opportunity to prepare the food and desserts that are served to the military personnel and their families on Thanksgiving Day," Ms. Killmeyer said. 
   This year, the staff prepared 396 pounds of turkey, 240 pounds of steamship round, 45 pies, 10 cakes and gallons of green beans and corn that served more than 600 guests.