Fort Bragg soldiers prepare annual Thanksgiving dinner
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- Sgt. Bryan Morrisey spent Monday night on the grinder, slicing each piece of succulent ham to perfection -- all 200 pounds of it.
"It's stressful," he laughed from the kitchen of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2BCT) dining facility. "But there's a lot of good camaraderie out here. We always work as a team. Come through at the end. Pretty much stick together no matter what."
The 2BCT and 18th Fires Brigade soldiers shared Morrisey's attitude in the final preparations to feed up to 1,000 soldiers and family members during Fort Bragg's annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Laughter, music and jokes filled the kitchen, where 200 pounds of roast beef, 200 pounds of ham, and 300 pounds of turkey were prepared alongside all the fixings.
There's a lot to be thankful for on Fort Bragg these days. Just this week, two brigades from the 82nd Airborne Division have had soldiers return home from Afghanistan in time for the holidays. On Thanksgiving Day, 200 paratroopers from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade will land at Green Ramp, signifying the return of some of the last U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
"I'm thankful for my health, that I'm still alive," said Sgt. Felipe Zamora, as he melted butter for the macaroni and cheese. "Working with these wonderful people that I'm with...cooking for the rest of the brigade I work with."
By 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, 82nd commanders tied on their aprons, grabbed knives and spatulas, and began serving the holiday meal.
Most soldiers coming through the line got a good laugh out of Maj. Jonas Anazagasty, who's been serving the holiday special for a decade.
"So I'm a little excited," he said, slicing a piece of roast turkey. "This is the first time I got onto the carving station, so this is a big deal. Normally, they don't let somebody like me get on the carving station."
Zamora made sure to peek over Anazagasty's shoulder, who applauded the battalion's soldiers for their hard work and preparation on little sleep.
"They're all like super nice; cause people like me come forward. I have no idea what I'm doing and he's like 'Alright, Sir, I'll help you out. I'll help you out and cut the turkey.'"
Past the turkey, desserts and ice sculptures were elaborately designed cakes made by six 2BCT soldiers. Staff Sgt. Calethia Thompson, the floor supervisor, pointed out the chocolate boots and dog tags, bald eagle, and pretzel and chocolate ships. They represented the holiday theme, "Coming to America."
"This is fondant, all fondant," said Thompson, showing off an aircraft cake. "Like literally, they molded themselves together, all by hand."
2BCT will take the cakes to compete against other battalions in a Cake Boss-like bake off.
By the end of the meal, satisfied soldiers and families smiled over empty plates.
"It's special because it's my first time being away from home," said Pvt. Jose Gonzalez, 22, a California native. "Being with new people and new friends, it's like my second family over here."
