OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Community leaders handed out 550 turkeys and hams to service members and their families outside the James M. McCoy Airmen Leadership School at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Nov. 22, 2024, in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This is the sixth year Operation Giving Thanks has supported Offutt service members.
Herman Colvin was stationed here at Offutt and knows some of the financial struggles First term airmen and their families experience during the holidays.
“I was in, and I know how little money young service members have and I think it is very important for what they are doing, and the service they are providing for this country, we can do a little something, give something back to them,” Colvin said.
The support team Offutt members received from the local community is uniquely tied to this base, said Senior Airman Ryan Sheard, 55th Wing protocol officer.
“It was wonderful, especially for a lot of Airmen this is their first duty station,” said Sheard. “It does make you feel that you are a part of the community because when you go out everyone is so supportive of everything there is especially in Ole Town Bellevue, Bellevue at large, even out in Papillion. Everyone is there ready to support you.”
Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing deputy commander, also feels this gesture is a testament to the bond between Offutt Air Force Base and the local community.
“The generous donation of 550 turkeys and hams ensures our Airmen and their families can celebrate Thanksgiving with joy and tradition,” Gray said. “It highlights the unwavering support we receive from civic leaders who truly value the sacrifices our Airmen make every day.”
“Thank you for the turkeys, thank you for the hams, we appreciate it,” said Sheard to express his gratitude of the efforts from the local community and civic leaders’ during the event.