Combining forces: Malmstrom teams up with Meals-on-Wheels for Thanksgiving

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Korry Leverett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
"The MSS was proud to step up and take the lead on this year's Operation Thanksgiving," said Randy Glick, management analyst for the 341st Mission Support Squadron.

The operation got underway at the Great Falls Food Bank Nov. 22 when 75 Malmstrom volunteers, including nearly 50 from the 341st MSS, spent the day cutting turkey and ham, boxing food and preparing side dishes for the 230 meals that would be delivered Thanksgiving Day.

Preparing 230 meals amounts to a lot of food which included 22 turkeys, 16 gallons of gravy, 40 pounds of stuffing, roughly 100 pounds of sweet potatoes, 40 pounds of cranberry sauce, 350 rolls, 35 pumpkin pies and plenty of mashed potatoes.

Volunteers then spent Thanksgiving Day covering 46 Meals-on-Wheels delivery routes providing a welcomed holiday meal and some added joy to area senior citizens.

"I like to help out wherever I can," said Master Sgt. Stephanie Gill, Airmen Leadership School instructor. "My youngest son, Garrett, and I delivered food and everyone was very happy and appreciative to see us."

Operation Thanksgiving is more than just preparing and delivering food, according to Nancy Wilson, Meals-on-Wheels manager in Great Falls. It's about reaching out to the seniors who only see one face, the face of the one who delivers their food. "Often times they can't remember to take their medicine, but they remember who delivered their food," she said.

Through the combined the efforts of Malmstrom AFB and Meals-on-Wheels, the team successfully provided Thanksgiving meals to those who needed them most.

"It was a community effort, Meals-on-Wheels provided the food and equipment, and Malmstrom provided the manpower," Mr. Glick said.

"There wouldn't be a Thanksgiving without the base," Ms. Wilson said

It's an important event each year to the seniors and volunteers alike. "Getting to know people is what it's all about. This is our opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community," Mr. Glick said.