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News | Dec. 21, 2023

Providing hot meals to service members abroad ‘feeds spirits with warmth of home’

By Michael Hong

Every year, a Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support team in Philadelphia ensures military members abroad have a taste of home during the holiday season. 

This year, DLA Troop Support’s Subsistence supply chain’s Christmas customers include additional military members who are currently deployed in Northern Europe as well as in the Middle East supporting various US ally efforts. 

By December 25, these service members will receive an estimated: 

  • 3,304 whole turkeys 

  • 54,711 pounds of roasted turkey 

  • 78,910 pounds of beef 

  • 37,677 pounds of ham 

  • 24,149 pounds of shrimp 

  • 10,237 cans of sweet potatoes 

  • 37,576 pies and cakes 

  • 5,076 cans of eggnog 

  • And many other holiday treats 

These quantities generally represent a smaller number of food goods compared to what was delivered in time for Thanksgiving this year: 

  • 28,945 whole turkeys 

  • 82,592 pounds of roasted turkeys 

  • 145,760 pounds of beef 

  • 70,957 pounds of ham 

  • 40,534 pounds of shrimp 

  • 5,007 pounds of sweet potatoes 

  • 46,464 pies and cakes 

  • 7,407 cans of eggnog 

  • And many other holiday treats 

According to Lauren Austin, customer operations branch chief at DLA Troop Support, items intended for Christmas can also be included in the orders for Thanksgiving—making it challenging to completely differentiate between the two holidays. 

Ultimately, the customer determines how the inventory is used upon receipt for either holiday. 

“DLA Troop Support takes great pride in ensuring every order placed is delivered to the troops around the world,” said Robin Whaley, subsistence division chief of Outside Continental United States customer operations. “Supporting our military during the holiday season by providing hot meals not only nourishes their bodies but also feeds their spirits with the warmth of home. It's a mission with a profound impact, connecting us all at Troop Support in the shared joy of reminding those in service that they are cherished, especially during this special time of year.” 

DLA Troop Support, located in Philadelphia, is a major subordinate command of the Defense Logistics Agency, with a global presence including offices in Europe & Africa and the Pacific regions. It is responsible for four supply chains that provide our nation’s military and government partners with: food and feeding equipment; clothing and textile items; construction and equipment materiel; and medical materiel and pharmaceuticals.