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Inside the DLA Effort That Shipped 380,000+ Pounds of Thanksgiving Food to Troops Worldwide

The Defense Logistics Agency's Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) team coordinated shipments totaling more than 380,000 pounds of Thanksgiving food to military dining facilities worldwide. Major items include 152,626 pounds of turkey, 124,022 pounds of beef, ham, shrimp, pies and eggnog. Planners say orders are tailored to changing troop levels and local preferences, and military advisers praised the operation for its role in supporting morale.

09:30 AM, 11/28/2025Society
Inside the DLA Effort That Shipped 380,000+ Pounds of Thanksgiving Food to Troops Worldwide

The Defense Logistics Agency's Troop Support Subsistence (TSS) team coordinated one of its largest annual holiday efforts to ensure U.S. service members around the globe can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals. This year the agency secured more than 380,000 pounds of Thanksgiving food and holiday items for military dining facilities serving troops at numerous overseas and domestic locations.

Shipments and highlights

Planned shipments include a wide range of proteins, sides and desserts to recreate familiar holiday menus:

  • 152,626 pounds of turkey
  • 124,022 pounds of beef
  • 66,054 pounds of ham
  • 38,081 pounds of shrimp
  • 6,512 canned sweet potatoes
  • 15,282 cases of pies and cakes
  • 792 cases of eggnog

Ordering and distribution are carefully tailored to each location because troop levels and menu preferences change frequently. "Holiday requirements are like fingerprints in that no two are alike," said John Sheehan, TSS director of customer operations. TSS planners adjust quantities and items each year to match those shifting needs.

"They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose knowing that these meals mean far more than just food,"

said Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, praising the operation's impact on morale and comfort for deployed personnel.

Secretary Pete Hegseth also called troops this week to express thanks and wish them a happy Thanksgiving. When a video feed failed during one call, he lightened the moment with a playful remark to the sailors on the line.

Through precise planning and large-scale logistics, the DLA's TSS team helps bring a familiar holiday experience to service members stationed far from home.

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