• WASHINGTON

With the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday in the rear-view mirror as we move into Christmas and the end-of-the-year holiday season, it is important to note that wherever America’s troops are serving around the globe, they were able to experience the taste and smells of the holiday thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) Team. 

DLA Troop Support annually supplies America’s armed forces with more than $25 billion worth of food, uniforms, protective equipment, medicine and medical supplies, and construction and equipment items.  

As far as food is concerned, the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the largest annual efforts for the supply chain, and this year was no different than any other.  

The team ensured more than 380,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving food and other treats were delivered for the 2025 holiday.  

According to DLA, this Thanksgiving holiday, military dining facilities received: 152,626 pounds of turkey; 124,022 pounds of beef;  66,054 pounds of ham;  38,081 pounds of shrimp;  6,512 cans of sweet potatoes;  15,282 cases of pies and cakes; 792 cases of eggnog;  and a variety of other holiday treats.
 

“It is the most significant event that has the greatest influence on the morale of the warfighter and their families,” said Robin Whaley, DLA’s chief of subsistence for customers outside the continental U.S. 
 

PLANNING

Beginning in the spring, careful planning, coordination with multiple parties and attention to detail all go into making sure items arrive in time for the holiday, Whaley added. 

Varying troop strength around the globe each year adds to the importance of being precise in the ordering process. 

“Holiday requirements are like fingerprints in that no two are alike,” said John Sheehan, TSS director of customer operations. “The ebb and flow of one holiday item to the next is based on the fluid troop requirements and preferences from year to year.” 
 

COMPLETING THE MISSION

For the team, there is always a sense of pride in completing this mission. 

“There is excitement in knowing we are giving the warfighters a representation of their home and knowing the work we do helps them feel more connected to their families and communities,” said Army Master Sgt. Jose Montero, TSS noncommissioned officer in charge.   

“I feel extremely proud knowing an extremely talented, committed team … worked diligently to ensure every warfighter has a hot meal for Thanksgiving,” he stated. 

For Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, this was her first experience being on the planning side of ensuring holiday meals for the warfighter. 

“I’m absolutely impressed by the effort and genuine concern that the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Subsistence Team puts into this mission,” Harris said. “They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose knowing that these meals mean far more than just food.”  

Source: Department of War (DoW)/Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) 

Edited by Larry Lapka