600 pounds of turkey feeds Army at Ft. Bragg

The dinner included 600 pounds of turkey, 400 pounds of ham, 400 pounds of prime rib, mountains of vegetables and steamed crabs with corn on the cob.

“We’ve got the best for the best,” said Sergeant Jeffrey Turner. “Feeding soldiers Thanksgiving. Trying to give out a good meal for them. They come out here, they work hard every day. We just want to take care of them.”

The feast included non-traditional dishes as well, along with a sculpted eagle made from butter.

“We’ve got fried ravioli. It’s stuffed with bacon, spinach, chalets, cream cheese and cottage cheese. And it’s served in vodka sauce,” said Spec. Michael Sapata.

This meal is a family affair, and enlisted soldiers are served by officers and senior non-commissioned officers.

“Even though we have to deploy as well, we always try to make sure we give out the best service that we possibly can, and that makes us feel special, that makes us feel good,” said Sergeant Celine Lucio.

Fort Bragg’s dining facility is first of the 28 in the region, and they’re hoping to be first in the Army.

“It’s very humbling. It’s amazing that they do that for the soldiers,” Elizabeth Tellez, a soldier’s wife. “I appreciate it because I know they do a lot of hard work and to have them actually step down and serve them, that’s amazing.”

Soldiers said the meal is special for a very simple but very important reason.

“It’s a special meal because Thanksgiving is the time when a lot of soldiers aren’t able to go home to their families, so we like to give them a meal that reminds them of their home.”