Giving thanks by giving back

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Michael Lacertosa, an aircraft mission request officer, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, serves Soldiers on Thanksgiving at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Senior leaders in the 28th CAB waited on the Soldiers to show their thanks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Erika Nyberg)  

TALLIL AIR BASE, IRAQ

11.30.2009

Courtesy Story

28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By Sgt. 1st Class Erika Nyberg

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq — Senior leaders from every unit in the 28th Combat Aviation Battalion reported for duty Thanksgiving Day, each pulling a half-hour shift. Standing shoulder- to- shoulder on the dining facility serving line, they waited on a crowd that stretched the line out the door.

"The leaders serving the led" is a military tradition, said 1st Sgt. Donald Bartch, Headquarters Company first sergeant, 28th CAB.

Spc. John Leddy, an avionics mechanic with "D" Company, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, said he was thankful for the good food at the Contingency Operating Base Adder dining facility, and that it was the best meal he has had in a long time.

Leddy, like most CAB Soldiers, spent the majority of the day on duty. He said that the "mission doesn't stop," but that it was "nice to come to the DFAC and take a break." The Carlisle, Pa., native said he had his family in his thoughts and planned to make many phone calls home after dinner.

Preparations for the first Thanksgiving meal ever served in the Warrior's Dining Facility started months ago, said Master Sgt. Patricia Wallace, senior food service operations sergeant for the 28th CAB.

It takes approximately 1,900 pounds of turkey to feed the on-average 4,000 service members and civilians served by the facility, she said. The elaborate decorations and extensive menu came together through the combined efforts of civilian contractors led by Anthony Lugo, Warrior's Dining Facility manager, and Wallace's 31 Soldiers from the 28th CAB.

Yet, the special activities for Thanksgiving started well-before the Soldiers reached dinner table.

For Soldiers like Spc. Ira Hammond, a force-protection specialist, operational requirements often mean eating on the run. This Thanksgiving, however, leaders from the 28th CAB's Headquarters also took turns on-duty for Soldiers, letting them enjoy a sit-down meal.

Hammond, of Mount Pleasant, Pa., said he thought the gesture "was really nice, something different" and appreciated the opportunity to relax. When asked what he was thankful for, he replied, "my daughter."

"A true leader has devoted countless hours in his troops, developing them into Soldiers and watching them grow, praying for them and worrying about their safety," Bartch said. "A true leader is always happy to show that he is part of this large family; the Army family."

• Date Taken: 11.30.2009
• Date Posted: 11.30.2009 06:08
• Story ID: 42150
• Location: TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ