Feed the Troops event makes a come back to Dover Air Force Base
DOVER, Del.- While it’s been a difficult time due to the pandemic, with social distancing, mask requirements, and cancellation of events, places like the Dover Air Force Base are getting back to business.
“Just being able to be with the people that I know and the people we appreciate, the people I’m really all around all the time it’s kind of nice to share something like this with them,” Airmen Willem Pinegar, said.
The annual Feed the Troops event returned Tuesday with people pitching in to bring smiles and free meals to troops. Robert Reese, one leader behind the event, said rallying around these men and women holds meaning.
“I couldn’t feel any better, these ladies and gentlemen out here the military, I served 39 years, and all of these are my brothers and sisters, no matter what we do and I’m sorry I’m starting to tear up,” Reese, President of Operation Feed the Troops, said.
For Pinegar, he said the support is heartwarming. He arrived on base in November of last year and said the Christmas season looked different, but that wasn’t the case this year.
“My first time experiencing it is really really neat and getting to see so many different faces in the line that I recognize and everything even as a relatively new airman has been really neat,” Pinegar said.
Staff Sergeant Amanda Thoman agrees. She moved on base right before the pandemic.
“Pretty much after the month after I got here was just locked in teleworking so it was hard to meet new people,” Staff Sergeant Thoman said.
Now, with the Feed the Troops event back in action, Sergeant Thoman and others said it’s nice to see new faces while enjoying a free meal.
“The food, foods delicious really really good but just seeing people,” Sergeant Thoman said.
“All airmen love free food,” Pinegar said.
And, of course reflecting on the positives that came from the past year.
“I think just the personal strength that everyone had, even though we’re separated it felt like we are together, we have to rely on each other much more for mental health and just always knowing you have someone to reach out to,” Sergeant Thoman said.
