Thanksgiving dinner costs are on dropping for second year in a row
For the second year in a row, the cost of buying Thanksgiving dinner has decreased, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
I am a veteran, and decided to write about my best Thanksgiving dinner ever.
I was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, but was deployed to Egypt for a multinational training exercise. This exercise took place over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had been in the field for a couple of weeks, and the upcoming Thanksgiving meal was something everyone was looking forward to. Fresh turkey, real potatoes, real stuffing, nothing dehydrated, nothing reconstituted and nothing from a MRE (that’s “meals ready to eat”) bag. The day’s mission went by as slow as molasses in a New England winter. Everyone was talking about how much food they were going to eat, if there was going to be enough for seconds, etc.
As dinner time came near, we were all wondering where the food was. No one had heard or seen the supply helicopters coming into the compound area. Word from the chain of command came down: The bird is going to be late, both of them (the helicopter and the guest of honor — the turkey). Not only was the chopper bringing us a feast, but because it was the end of the week, our regular meal supply, as well.
Chow time, but no chow. Eyes were glued to the sky looking for those birds. Lines were forming around the mess hall, anticipating the fresh, hot chow coming over the horizon.
More news from the chain of command: The chopper is going to be delayed due to mechanical problems, but should be fixed soon. The soldiers were hungry. Bird or no bird, these soldiers wanted to eat. Giving credit to the mess sergeant, he did the best he could with what he had, which was not much. Our supplies were limited until the resupply run arrived.
A couple of hours later, chain of command informed us of what we had already surmised: No turkey tonight. The lower enlisted always eat first, and ate what was available that night. I had some poggie bait — military slang for junk food — in my tent, so I was OK.
The camp retired for the night with unfulfilled bellies, and very heavy hearts. Bedtime now, and my platoon leader and I settled in our respective sleeping bags. We were discussing the day’s events, and the disappointment of the troops, as well as ourselves. Like everyone else, I was so looking forward to chowing down.
At approximately 2200 hours, we finally heard the chopper.
It was way too late to even think about serving any turkey tonight. That would have to wait until tomorrow.
We had a knock on our tent at about 2230 hours. It was the chaplain. We asked him why he was moving about the compound so late at night. He said he was making deliveries. “What?”
The chopper did not bring the turkey, but had brought individual sandwich portion meat — like you find in local store, with enough meat to make a sandwich — along with individual sliced cheese packages, and the chaplain was passing these items out.
Who could you trust more than the chaplain to deliver real meat and cheese to a group of hungry soldiers?
So, there I was, somewhere in Egypt at 2300 hours, sitting up in my sleeping bag, wrapping a real piece of cheese around a real piece of roast beef (we had no bread), laughing with my platoon leader, and saying that this was best Thanksgiving ever.
It’s been about 31 years, but I still hold this true, especially when I look at a table full of food on Thanksgiving Day and remember when my table was empty.
Please remember those soldiers in your Thanksgiving Day prayers, for guarding the gates of freedom so we may all be together.
Manny Gonzales
Sterling Heights
To all of you who reach into your pocketbooks and hearts, thank you
As someone who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for my entire life, I have always been amazed by the kindness that is shown to all agencies during the holiday season.
While thousands of people spend excessive amounts of money at the local malls and online stores, purchasing gifts in every price range, just as many if not more send food, clothing, gifts and financial support to soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and other non-profits that care deeply about those in our society who simply need a hand up.
It’s as if an inner light shines within these donors, prompting them to be their best selves, showing their kindest sides so others might suffer less and thrive more.
On behalf of community organizations, religious groups, and grassroots efforts — thank you, metro Detroit, for reaching into your pockets and into your hearts.
You are the best of the best in this season of joy.
Helen Hicks
The writer is president and CEO of Macomb County Habitat for Humanity
And now, a poem about the Detroit Lions
It has been so longsince the people of Detroithave witnessed a football teamthat has been able to playlike the Detroit Lions of today.
All of the playersin every position and the coacheshave performed brilliantlyin most every gameand in almost every way.
And we all here in Detroitcan only now hopethat Super Bowl LIXwill soon be ours alone.
And if the Vince Lombardi trophy does arrive here in Detroitin February of 2025there will be a great partyand a grand parade
Because only then will we knowthat our first Super Bowl victorywill finally truly be ours in Detroitand the Detroit Lions very own.
Good luck to our Detroit Lions.Finally you all have made everyone in our great city of Detroit and state of Michigan so very proud.
Mark P. Shubeck
Macomb
Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print.
