American troops will once again savor the flavors of Thanksgiving, all made possible by the diligent efforts of the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) team.

This year, the military has secured an impressive supply of over 380,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving dishes and holiday sweets, marking one of DLA’s most significant annual initiatives, as recently revealed by the Department of War. The department noted that fluctuating troop numbers worldwide influence the meticulous ordering process.

“Each holiday request is unique, much like fingerprints,” stated John Sheehan, TSS’s director of customer operations, in an interview with DOW. “The demand for specific holiday items shifts based on the dynamic needs and tastes of our troops each year.”

American military personnel stationed around the world will have the chance to indulge in beloved Thanksgiving dishes. (Photo by Army Sgt. Adrianne Lopez/DOW)

This season, military dining facilities are set to receive an assortment of Thanksgiving staples, including 152,626 pounds of turkey, 124,022 pounds of beef, 66,054 pounds of ham, 38,081 pounds of shrimp, 6,512 cans of sweet potatoes, 15,282 cases of pies and cakes, and 792 cases of eggnog, among other festive treats.

Whole homemade Thanksgiving Turkey with all the sides. (iStock)

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, said she was “absolutely impressed” by the DLA’s work to bring Thanksgiving to servicemembers across the globe.

“They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose knowing that these meals mean far more than just food,” Harris told DOW.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called troops around the globe to wish them a happy Thanksgiving. (Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW)

This week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called troops around the world, including some in the U.S., to wish them a happy Thanksgiving and to thank them for their service.

DOW said that during one of the calls with troops, the video option was not working, so Hegseth quipped, “I can hear you loud and clear. In my mind’s eye, captain, you are a staggeringly handsome individual, as are all two dozen of the incredible sailors behind you.”