MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Hungry Marines and Sailors lined up in the Roadhouse in anticipation of a homemade Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings Nov. 28.
The line grew longer and longer as the smell of a Thanksgiving meal overcame the area reminding many of their own homes.
Enjoying a home cooked meal, service members who couldn’t be home spent the holiday together watching football and playing games.
“For those who are away from home, this is a great opportunity to be with folks you work with every day,” said Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. “If you can’t be with your family, then be with your fellow Marines and Sailors in a place like this where everyone is pitching in together to have a great time and meal.”
The troops came together to enjoy homemade food served by the commanding general, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point commanding officer Col. Chris Pappas III and members of the Marine Corps League.
“I think it’s awesome that we all came together to have a good time and get to know each other during the holidays,” said Lance Cpl. Gabriel Edwards, an automotive organizational mechanic with Combat Logistics Company 21. “I also really liked that veterans from the Marine Corps League and our commanding general and commanding officer took time to come out and serve us.”
The service members feasted on turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and stuffing. Additionally, the Single Marine Program delivered to-go meals to Marines and Sailors on duty, sick in quarters or on restriction.
“We have Marines out on deployments and in harm’s way that can’t be home. So when you get an opportunity like this to come together as a family you take it,” said Pappas. “While you are here, you get to build that camaraderie and enjoy fantastic food.”
Hedelund encouraged the Marines and Sailors to spend the holiday together.
“This is what being a Marine is all about,” said Hedelund. “Taking time out during a holiday to spend it with your fellow Marines and being able to come together and let everyone know they are appreciated for their hard work is what it’s all about.”