KILLEEN, Texas — The spirit of community and gratitude was alive and well on Fort Cavazos, as a unique Thanksgiving dinner competition was held to feed soldiers and their families.
The dining facilities on Fort Cavazos were buzzing with energy!
Cooks were moving quickly, chopping, and stirring as they prepared a feast for soldiers and their families.
From roasted pig to lobster tails, the aroma of delicious dishes filled the air, and the race was on to create the ultimate thanksgiving dinner.
“This is our food service Super Bowl,” said Chief Warrant Officer Lance Thomas. “It’s an opportunity to bring Thanksgiving and home to the soldiers who are unable to go home and give them that gratifying dining experience.”
The annual Commanding Generals Best Thanksgiving Warrior Restaurant Competition kicked off Tuesday at Blackjack Warrior Restaurant, Always Ready Warrior Restaurant, Operation Iraqi Freedom Warrior Restaurant, Theodore Roosevelt Warrior Restaurant, and the North Fort Cavazos Warrior Restaurant. Each dining facility had different themes and competed for the bragging rights across the installation.
For example, Blackjack Warrior restaurant had a Tim Burton theme, while Operation Iraqi Freedom Warrior restaurant celebrated Motown.
The goal was to create a memorable meal that honors the holiday while showcasing fantastic culinary skills. The excitement brought soldier Victor Rodriguez and his family back for the second time.
“I know they always do something special for Thanksgiving. This year I learned about it ahead of time and I was like hey we should go eat,” said Rodriguez. Last year they had some pretty good food. They had turkey, ham, and everything they have today. I just wanted to bring the wife out here.”
The dining facilities were judged on display, dining area appearance, food service operations and food service personnel.
Lieutenant General Kevin Fort Cavazos and III Armored Corps commanding general, along with senior leaders served as judges.
Natalie Jackson says it’s wonderful to see everyone come together.
“It feels good,” said Jackson. “We won’t be seeing our family on Thanksgiving, so this is technically our Thanksgiving.”
Thomas can agree.
“What I think makes Thanksgiving different is the togetherness and bringing everyone together,” said Thomas. And enjoying each other, even the camaraderie, strengthening the family and the bond."
The Always Ready Dining Facility was the winner of this year’s annual Fort Cavazos Best Dining Facility Thanksgiving Competition.
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