78,000 pounds of turkey. 40,000 pounds of beef. 26,000 pounds of ham. 10,000 pies. That's what it takes to provide a proper Thanksgiving to U.S. troops who are deployed overseas for the holidays.
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support is responsible for getting Thanksgiving meals to service members in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan - and this year, Liberia and Senegal.
The folks at DLA usually start preparing for Thanksgiving about six months in advance.
As Anthony Amendolia, DLA Troop Support Subsistence customer service branch chief for the Europe and Middle East regions, explained:
“Since they can’t be home for the holidays, our team is dedicated to bringing the holidays to them...
“Whether they’re stationed on a remote base in Afghanistan or a field hospital in West Africa, they’ll be eating a traditional American Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 27.”
Liberia
Turkey: 2,000 lbs.
Cranberry sauce: 300 lbs.
Pies: 500 (apple, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato)
Senegal
Turkey: 600 pounds
Cranberry sauce: 75 pounds
Pies: 200 (apple, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato)
Iraq/Kuwait/Jordan
Turkey: 48,982 pounds
Beef: 8,750 pounds
Ham: 4,560 pounds
Shrimp: 6,048 pounds
Eggnog: 900 gallons
Pies: 4,000
Afghanistan
Turkey: 29,184 pounds
Beef: 31,920 pounds
Ham: 21,660 pounds
Shrimp: 25,650 pounds
Eggnog: 840 gallons
Pies: 6,000
