It’s time to “Feed the Troops”

Photo By Roland Balik | Team Dover members enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings during the 11th Annual Feed the Troops day shift dinner Dec. 23, 2014, in Hangar 792 on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Around 450 Team Dover members were served during the day shift meal, while another 125 were served during the night shift meal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)  

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES

12.12.2017

Story by Roland Balik      

436th Airlift Wing

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. ­­ Do you think you had enough turkey with all the trimmings? Whether your answer is yes or no, loosen your belt one more time and have a meal with active duty, Reserve, and civilian coworkers and family members at what has become a Team Dover tradition that has fed thousands of base personnel over the years.

The 14th annual Feed the Troops Dinner is scheduled to be held Dec. 19, 2017, here, in Hangar 792 for dayshift and night shift personnel according to event coordinator, retired Air Force Reserve Technician Master Sgt. Robert Reese.

Volunteers from the local community, Dover Motorsports and the 512th Airlift Wing will help cook and serve meals consisting of turkey, stuffing, green beans, corn, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of desserts and beverages from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for day shift workers and 6-8 p.m. for night shift workers.

"This goes back when I first joined the military; Mom and Dad used to do the same thing," said Reese. "When I came home for the first time, they told me to bring a couple of friends along."

The following year, his parents told him to bring more friends and implanted the idea of cooking for the troops for what was to later become the first Feed the Troops Dinner held in 2004. It is Reese’s way of showing his appreciation for the workers on base.

"A small group of volunteers, including Kevin Mills, Dover Motorsports comptroller and 436th Comptroller Squadron honorary commander, plan on cooking 30 turkeys totaling around 450 pounds and other food items starting at 2 a.m. at the Dover Downs kitchen," said Reese. "Retired Air Force Reserve Technician Senior Master Sgt. Rene Baldrich will use his vehicle and trailer to transport the cooked food in hot food carriers to Hangar 792."

Many of the volunteers who help Reese with the event have been involved with this annual event for several years.

“These two feedings would not be possible without the food donations from Vietnam Veterans Outreach, Larry Tarabicos, Dave and Christine Frazier, Dover Motorsports and many others,” said Reese.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2017
• Date Posted: 12.12.2017 16:17
• Story ID: 258526
• Location: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US