MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be eating well this Thanksgiving thanks to a generous donation from Operation Homefront, Nov. 22.
Operation Homefront, in coordination with Albertsons and the Junipero Serra High School water polo team in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., donated 19 prepackaged meals and an additional 40 turkeys to the 15th MEU for Thanksgiving.
“Operation Homefront provides Thanksgiving day meals to military families in Southern California as an expression of their gratitude to military families for their service and sacrifice,” said Audrey Hooper, family readiness officer, 15th MEU. “My favorite part is getting to give out the turkeys to the hardworking Marines and sailors of the MEU,” she added.
The prepackaged meals include a 10-12 pound turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy that can feed up to eight people, more than the average military family.
“I’m so glad they are giving these Thanksgiving meals away,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher T. Howard, radio operator, 15th MEU. “With all this food I’m planning on having some of my fellow Marines over to enjoy the holiday with my family.”
The turkeys came a few days before the Marines and sailors enjoyed their extended weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to this upcoming weekend,” said Cpl. Kristopher J. Robinson, maintenance chief, logistics section, 15th MEU. “I’m having a huge potluck at my house with family and extended family (Marines),” he added.