Silentcerri
11-22-2007, 11:56 PM
Starting last year I took over the family tradition of taking in a couple basic trainees or in this year’s case 35 from Lackland AFB for Thanksgiving dinner. Today was an interesting day to say the least. The young men and women that came over today were very thankful to be serving in the military and to finally have a good home cooked meal. They were glad to be able to play ps3, wii, and xbox. We had a mini guitar hero contest and I hate to say that 2 girls rocked their faces off more than all the guys, but we all agree that my 9 year old and 6 year old cousins were the most entertaining. They watched football and sat around talking to my family members it was like i had 35 extra brothers and sisters.
I thought it was really touching when my father and my 2 uncles who were Vietnam era and Iraq 1 veterans and all Air Force vets sat around talking to these young Airmen/women. My grandma joined in the discussion telling stories of my grandpa's exploits in WW2 and beyond and then showed them his Dress Uniform and a certificate showing he was a Charter Member of the Air Force. They had so many questions and my family decided that nothing would be taboo. They talked about their disabilities that they gained while in the military, their exploits, the fun, the good and the bad, and if they had to live it over they would do it again in a heartbeat.
They all asked why I a civilian, a military brat wanted to host so many. I explained that it was always tradition from as long as I could remember and I feel that this was a way I could give back to those that will be fighting for my freedom. We also talked about how everyone that was at the dinner that was not active duty or a basic trainee was in the Disabled American Veterans, and the Auxiliary. They could not believe an entire family was so devoted to serving our soldiers and their families both active and retired etc.
If you have not fixed Thanksgiving for almost 60 people it is a fun task let me tell you. I started smoking turkeys Tuesday, Fried Turkeys this morning, made dressing in 2 different houses, and am sick of peeling sweet potatoes. I was especially surprised to see 2 of the TI's of these groups come in and they helped in the kitchen and with the dishes. They even helped serve their troops and I feel it was a great bonding experience.
It was a great day and I wish to thank everyone that is serving, has served, has lost someone, and those that gave their lives for our freedom. I also have to say that I am very thankful these men and women have volunteered to do what so many would never do and it was one of the few times i had a hard time saying good bye. These guys graduate in 2 weeks and I will be there to wish them well and thank them again for serving. If you ever get the chance to host someone I say do it. It is so rewarding and it lets them know that people do care.
I thought it was really touching when my father and my 2 uncles who were Vietnam era and Iraq 1 veterans and all Air Force vets sat around talking to these young Airmen/women. My grandma joined in the discussion telling stories of my grandpa's exploits in WW2 and beyond and then showed them his Dress Uniform and a certificate showing he was a Charter Member of the Air Force. They had so many questions and my family decided that nothing would be taboo. They talked about their disabilities that they gained while in the military, their exploits, the fun, the good and the bad, and if they had to live it over they would do it again in a heartbeat.
They all asked why I a civilian, a military brat wanted to host so many. I explained that it was always tradition from as long as I could remember and I feel that this was a way I could give back to those that will be fighting for my freedom. We also talked about how everyone that was at the dinner that was not active duty or a basic trainee was in the Disabled American Veterans, and the Auxiliary. They could not believe an entire family was so devoted to serving our soldiers and their families both active and retired etc.
If you have not fixed Thanksgiving for almost 60 people it is a fun task let me tell you. I started smoking turkeys Tuesday, Fried Turkeys this morning, made dressing in 2 different houses, and am sick of peeling sweet potatoes. I was especially surprised to see 2 of the TI's of these groups come in and they helped in the kitchen and with the dishes. They even helped serve their troops and I feel it was a great bonding experience.
It was a great day and I wish to thank everyone that is serving, has served, has lost someone, and those that gave their lives for our freedom. I also have to say that I am very thankful these men and women have volunteered to do what so many would never do and it was one of the few times i had a hard time saying good bye. These guys graduate in 2 weeks and I will be there to wish them well and thank them again for serving. If you ever get the chance to host someone I say do it. It is so rewarding and it lets them know that people do care.