Photo By Melissa Buckley | Soldiers enjoy a Thanksgiving Day feast Nov. 28, 2024, at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s...... read more read more
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Fort Leonard Wood plans to host its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration Nov. 27 in Army Warrior Restaurants across the installation, with meals for thousands of service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of War ID cardholders, Gold Star families, veterans and their families.
“The Army’s 250-year history is one built upon both the sacrifices and traditions of those who came before us. Thanksgiving on Fort Leonard Wood would not be complete without the opportunity to give thanks and serve our next generation of Soldiers,” said Col. Steven Bartley, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander.
According to Beverly Leggett, Installation Food Program manager, plans are set to serve more than 12,000 Thanksgiving meals during the lunchtime celebrations, and 28,000-plus meals throughout the day — using 4,700 pounds of turkey, 4,200 pounds of shrimp cocktail, 6,300 pounds of prime rib and 15 different kinds of assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.
“This year’s Thanksgiving feast is shaping up to be truly delicious,” Leggett said. “In addition to the traditional turkey, guests can look forward to baked ham and herb-crusted salmon, alongside comforting classics like creamy mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing and savory bread dressing. Rounding out the spread will be buttered corn, southern-style collard greens and a fresh salad bar.”
“And of course, no holiday meal would be complete without festive beverages, including rich, creamy eggnog and sparkling cider to toast the season,” she added.
According to Leggett, about 780 food-service employees are scheduled to prepare the feast and serve it alongside senior leadership.
Last year, Bartley spent Thanksgiving Day at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s Army Warrior Restaurants serving meals to some of Fort Leonard Wood’s newest Soldiers. A tradition he said he plans to continue this year.
“Leaders serving Soldiers their Thanksgiving meal is a great tradition, and one that reminds us all that it is an honor and privilege to serve,” he said. “Few traditions provide such a direct opportunity to not only exemplify servant leadership but also personally connect with the men and women across our greater Army family.”
Leggett agreed and said, “basic combat training can be an intense and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially for those who are away from home for the first time.”
“When Soldiers see their chain of command step forward to serve them, it sends a powerful message, that service is at the heart of what we all do,” Leggett said.
Adding to the Thanksgiving experience, food-service employees from each warrior restaurant will be decorating their dining areas.
“They put in their time, creativity and talent to make every dining facility feel welcoming and enjoyable,” Leggett said. “When a service member walks in, they will be immediately surrounded by the holiday spirit.”
According to Leggett, the Thanksgiving Day meal for DOW ID cardholders, retirees, Gold Star families and veterans with access to the installation will be served from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Celiz Hall Army Warrior Restaurant, Bldg. 6111, located on Indiana Avenue.
“This tradition is about more than food; it is about celebrating together and serving those who have gone before us, whose sacrifices and service continue to inspire our military community today,” Leggett said.
The Thanksgiving holiday meal rate is $11.55 for all visitors, except spouses and other dependents of service members E-4 and below, who pay the discounted holiday meal rate of $8.55.
“As a retired Soldier, Thanksgiving has always been one of the most awesome traditions during my time in the Army. I am grateful that I still get to be a part of it today, “Leggett said. “For me, serving this meal is not just about food, it’s about honoring the spirit of service and community that defines the military.”
The Bldg. 3223 Army Warrior Restaurant near the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, commonly referred to as Tony’s, and Bldg. 1784 serving the Air Force, Navy and Marines plan to serve their Thanksgiving meals Nov. 26.
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2025 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 551697 |
| Location: | FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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