November 11th, 2007 - The First Thanksgiving

How do you buy six turkeys, five hams and a pork roast when you are surviving on meals of stolen taters?  How do you cook 6 turkeys, 5 hams, one pork roast, dressing for 50 mashed taters, gravy, plenty of pies and have it all the trimmings such as cranberry's etc. ready by noon without Mom? It's called Thanksgiving, it's family pitching in and it's called a work of love. It's those that had sharing with those that had not. It's called caring more for others than for your self.

Put most people in this situation, 3000 miles from home and it's time throw in the towel, eat at the mess hall or if your married cook turkey and dressing for you and yours and let the others fend for themselves.

It was Nov.1977, the young men and women of the 13th Congoleese were stationed at the Rock in Germany. not to be confused with Plymouth Rock. Now, the Sutton's and the Price's could have done their own little family thing - for Bobby there was Miss Bobbie - for Powerman, there was Demo. But by Nov of 1977, the Sutton’s and Price’s were part of a bigger family.  A family too big to have to the house for Thanksgiving.  Several of us had houses, but nobody had a house big enough for this large a group to set down and eat together.

The pilgrims invited the Indians. The Congoleese would invite the Germans.  This would allow us to given the locals a taste of America. America at it's finest, just sharing and giving without a price tag. This invite would solve the problem of where to hold this shindig. Tiffany's, the local guest house run by Momma Maria would allow us to use her back room.

Now, when your inviting stranger's into your house, the pressure to pull off this Thanksgiving in a impressive fashion, heightens quite a bit. Remember, we still have to buy this stuff with no money from some and it's way to much for any normal household kitchen to pull off. Many would just have a pot luck dinner, but that's not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

 The Commander, Jivin John Perry, stepped up to the plate big time and I do mean BIG TIME.  Donations were  easy and simple. Those that had gave what they could without wondering if someone else us going to give. Without jealousy or selfishness, they gave. John would spend all night the night before running between four houses scattered over 20 miles apart to paste turkeys, hams etc...  Hick was his chauffeur.   Bruce had a car - something not many of us had. I rode with them most of the night.  I was there for moral support. That Thanksgiving, we surpized even ourselves. Locked in the back of our mind's and in the pictures of our albums and on our website laid out before us was the greatest Thanksgiving spread of all times. A Thanksgiving shared with the greatest of friends and family.

 I Thessalonians 5:14-18:  “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all see that none render evil for evil unto any; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

 May God bless each of you this Thanksgiving. When things look hopeless, remember that first Thanksgiving and count your many blessings and it will surprise you what God hath done.

Prayer list to remember: Mark's Becky, Mark's Jean, Ken Waymire, John Perry, Blue's Dad, Powerman's Mom, Lightning’s daughter, Nina. Pray for them and call them. Never forget our solders who have taken our place 30 years later.  Your Chaplain, Tex