JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, members of the Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support at Jacksonville team celebrated with a potluck held Nov. 21, on Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida, fostering community spirit and collaboration.
“The turnout was absolutely fantastic,” said Navy Cmdr. Christopher Harvey, director, Weapons Support at Jacksonville. “It was wonderful to see so many of our team members taking the time to share in the spirit of the season and enjoy each other's company.
The potluck featured the traditional thanksgiving fixings along with a few new dishes, showcasing the culinary skills of the Weapons Support at Jacksonville team members. Dishes ranged from savory stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes to a variety of pies and other desserts.
“Beyond the meal itself, the potluck served as a fantastic opportunity to cultivate esprit de corps and strengthen our bonds within Weapons Support at Jacksonville,” Harvey said. “Sharing a meal outside of our regular work environment allows us to connect on a more personal level, fostering a deeper sense of team spirit and appreciation for one another. We witnessed new connections being forged, old friendships renewed and a general feeling of togetherness that truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving.”
The event was organized by Christina Nelson, Terri Watkins Davis and Trey Burgess, who served as the volunteer potluck committee.
“This event wouldn't have been possible without the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteer potluck organizers,” Harvey said. “Their unwavering dedication, significant time investment, and diligent hard work was instrumental in making the event a resounding success.”
The potluck also served as the unofficial kickoff for the annual Toys for Tots campaign. This year, Weapons Support at Jacksonville will partner with some Marines stationed aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, sparking a friendly competition to see which team can collect the most toys.
“These types of gatherings are vital for workforce morale,” said Dave Scalf, deputy director, Weapons Support at Jacksonville. “They create a positive environment where team members feel valued and connected, ultimately contributing to increased readiness and our ability to provide support."
Weapons Support at Jacksonville senior leadership agreed that events like the potluck are important.
“These types of events are integral to building a strong, cohesive workforce,” Harvey said. “When our team is strong and unified, we are better equipped to tackle any challenge that may come our way and continue supporting the DLA mission.”