CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – The holidays are a tough time to be away from family, friends, and loved ones. However, this Thanksgiving seemed a little less distant thanks to the wonderful feast prepared for us by civilian contractors and the Camp Lemonnier support staff. The 8,000 miles between us and home melted away as we sat with our extended family of fellow servicemen and women.
It was quite the feast! Numerous meats, sides and desserts! The Thanksgiving decorations were fantastic, ranging from autumn colored leaves to huge ginger bread homes, and even the staff dressed up as Pilgrims and Native Americans. Keeping with tradition, staff officers from Task Force Longrifles donned their food service uniforms and dished out the amazing smorgasbord to hungry Soldiers waiting in line.
“Having Command Sgt. Maj. Chumley serve my dinner made it all the more special,” said Sgt. Josh Salley, a medic with Headquarters, Headquarters Battery (HHB) 2-138th Field Artillery.
He continued,"We always have pumpkin pie and coffee at my parents during Thanksgiving, and it was nice to be able to enjoy that here."
Task Force Longrifles commander Lt. Col Robert Larkin commented on serving his troops, “The soldiers in this task force work so hard to represent me and Command Sgt. Maj. Gividen with such distinction every day, that serving them dinner is not something I have to do, it’s something that I am honored to do.”
This Thanksgiving being away from family and friends will ever serve as a reminder not just to enjoy each holiday to the fullest but each day to the fullest when we are reunited with our families.