News

Operation Turkey drop a success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daniel Liddicoet
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The Rainier Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness Center at Joint-Base Lewis-McChord is preparing for its annual Operation Turkey Drop as part of an ongoing food drive effort to furnish Airmen with all the supplies they might need for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

According to Carl Supplee, 446th Airlift Wing AFRC director, the turkeys are expected to make their landing at roughly 0800 hours on Nov. 18th, where they will be met by a team of AFRC Airmen who will sort them into boxes filled with other essential Thanksgiving meal supplies donated from around the wing.

Supplee also indicated that there would be as many 83 turkeys made available for anyone that might need a little extra help. The turkey boxes will be ready for pick up on a first come first serve basis starting at noon until close of business on Nov. 18th, and the event is scheduled to run through Nov. 23rd to ensure that everyone gets a chance to grab what they might need.

The Turkey Drop is part of the Puget Sound Military Business Alliance’s efforts to strengthen local ties in the community. In addition to the Turkey Drop, The PMBA will also fund the shipment of 83 roast hams during the winter holiday season in support of a sister effort now known as ‘Ham Grenade’ on the Rainier Wing.

“I really have my leadership to thank for providing me with the time and resources to make something like this happen,” said Supplee.

The AFRC’s Thanksgiving Food Drive that serves as a platform for the Turkey Drop, will also be giving out its coveted trophy in the coming months to the squadron that is able to muster up the most supplies or cash donations for the event on a per capita basis.

The Turkey Drop has expanded every year since Supplee first started it 11 years ago, each time yielding more turkeys and donations than the last.

“From time to time we all need help,” said Supplee. “Some can give and some will receive, but it’s a blessing to be able to give.”