U.S. military members overseas will be pouring almost 4,000 more gallons of eggnog with their Christmas dinner this year than in 2019, according to the Defense Logistics Agency.
That 7,000 gallons of eggnog and thousands of pounds of other holiday meal staples will be served to troops through field kitchens, galleys and dining facilities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Korea, Qatar, Honduras, Japan and elsewhere, DLA officials said in a release.
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"Giving our men and women in uniform a taste of home during the holidays, especially in this extraordinarily difficult year, is extremely important. I hope this meal brings comfort and joy to everyone serving around the world," Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, who leads the DLA's troop support section, said in the release.
Joining the eggnog and 19,000 pounds of pies and cakes on the menu are:
- 9,000 whole turkeys
- 51,000 pounds of roasted turkeys
- 74,000 pounds of beef
- 21,000 pounds of ham
- 67,000 pounds of shrimp
- 16,000 pounds of sweet potatoes
Just like at Thanksgiving, the amount of shipped roasted turkeys is down 24% as compared to last year, in part because the number of troops stationed abroad is also down, and in part because more units are cooking for themselves. The number of whole turkeys sent this year -- 9,000 -- is more than double that shipped in 2019.
Shipment planning for both holiday meals kicks off in the spring, officials said, and the pandemic created an extra logistical challenge this year.
-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
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