COLUMBIA, S.C. — Over 10,000 soldiers and trainees sat down to break bread together as they celebrated Thanksgiving in their home away from home.
“I want them to know that this thing of ours, the United States Army, defending freedom, and togetherness is how it’s done and that's on full display here at Fort Jackson,” Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly said.
Trainees and soldiers were able to take a break from training and enjoyed a meal alongside their brothers and sisters in green.
But this time the tables were turned. As part of their long standing tradition meals were served by commanders and senior officers of each company at Fort Jackson.
Col. Mark Huhtanen says in the Army, they pause for this celebration all over the globe.
“I can remember being in Iraq and Afghanistan and still doing this as I've been deployed around the world so it’s a long term Army tradition that we like to do,” he said.
For many this is their first Thanksgiving away from home and while they are missing their families they say they are thankful for the Army.
“I do miss them but it’s a great experience here. Everyone here is like our family, you know all these trainees are starting to get along, we don’t know each other, we’re all from different places but the Army has done a great thing," trainee Meelad Sarwary said.
Over 20,000 pounds of food was served during lunch and dinner at Fort Jackson today.