Photo By Crystal Farris | Col. Jeffery Aebischer, 124th vice wing commander, serves a military youth at the...... read more read more
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The Idaho National Guard held its annual chaplains' Thanksgiving dinner on Gowen Field Nov. 16 to honor members of the military community. Retired and current service members of all branches and their families attended, along with veterans from the Boise Veteran’s Medical Center.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year, where the Army and Air come together and kick off the holiday season,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Garshak, the newly appointed adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard.
Individuals dined on a Thanksgiving feast complete with turkey, ham and traditional fixings, which were prepared and served by military volunteers. During dinner, guests enjoyed quality time with family and friends while they listened to the musical talent of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 25th Army Band.
This marks the seventh year the event has taken place. The dinner was originally held for family members of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, to give them a place to enjoy the holiday while their loved ones were deployed to Iraq in 2010.
The event has since become a way current service members can recognize the many veterans who still want to be involved in the military community. Approximately 20 veterans who attended served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Capt. Ian Howarth, an Air Force chaplain who helped organize this year’s event, introduced those honored guests.
“It’s time to reflect back on the year and be thankful for the blessings God has given us,” said Howarth. “I think it’s only fitting to recognize the veterans who have given their service for our freedoms and made all this possible.”
Attendees were also able to give thanks to the community for their support by donating gifts to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. All donations that were collected will be given to the children of low income families throughout Idaho to help enhance their Christmas.
Blue Star Mothers, Knights of Columbus and Harvest Church were among the civilian organizations who volunteered and contributed to the night’s success.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2017 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 255785 |
| Location: | BOISE, ID, US |
| Web Views: | 385 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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