Families Embrace Military Trainees for Thanksgiving Celebrations

Operation Home Cooking has been bridging the gap between military trainees and the local community in San Antonio for over five decades. This year, the initiative brought together 708 trainees from the 737th Training Group at JBSA-Lackland with 289 host families for a Thanksgiving meal, reinforcing the connection between service members and the community that supports them.

According to Col. Bill Ackman, commander of the 737th Training Group, the tradition plays a crucial role in the installation’s mission. He stated, “It really reinforces the connection between the community and the training mission that we have here at Lackland. Couldn’t be more thankful for the support that we get from the community.”

The event allows trainees, who are nearing the end of their training, to enjoy a home-cooked meal and a brief respite from their rigorous schedule. “The trainees love a little bit of a break,” Ackman noted. “Understandably missing their families during this time, they have one more week before they graduate, but this is a nice opportunity for them to reconnect with what the outside world is like.”

For families like that of Nicole Caldwell, participating in Operation Home Cooking has become a cherished tradition. Over the past five years, Caldwell’s family has hosted a total of 46 trainees, including 29 from the Army and 17 from the Air Force. She emphasized the lasting impact of these gatherings, saying, “I’ll always get messages from somebody: ‘Hey, I remember that year I was away from home, and your family took care of me. I just want to thank you for doing that.’”

One trainee, Logan Jenkins, expressed how meaningful the experience has been for him. Originally from Ohio, Jenkins found a sense of belonging during his time in Texas. “I want them to be a part of my family now because this is very special,” he said. Despite being away from home, he reflected on his Thanksgiving experience positively. “It’s been a great Thanksgiving even though I’m away from home. It’s been so nice to get away for a little bit and actually feel normal again,” he added.

The initiative is not just about the meals; it fosters connections that transcend the holiday. As Jenkins noted, “A home away from home isn’t a place — it’s a feeling that follows you.” With enthusiasm, he shared his excitement to connect further with his host family, highlighting the emotional significance of their time together.

Operation Home Cooking exemplifies the spirit of community support for military personnel, creating a sense of family and camaraderie during a time that can be challenging for those in training. As more families open their doors, the bonds formed during these Thanksgiving celebrations continue to enrich the lives of both trainees and their hosts.