Where were you?
Did you spend your Holiday with friends and family, or were you 
waiting for your flight to Iraq or Afghanistan?

When you think of Holidays, you may think of a day off from work or school, catching up on things gone undone, or spending time with friends and family. However, a soldiers holiday can mean something very different. As I stood in the USO Welcome Center at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, GA taking pictures and talking to several soldiers, I found what these days mean to them. To most of them it means hugs and kisses followed by, “Good-bye”.

The USO Welcome Center is situated with recliners, cushioned benches, tables and chairs and this holiday most of them were full. They were filled with men and women waiting for flights to Iraq or Afghanistan. There was something else that filled the room: the aroma of home cooking. Ever since the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the ACF formed Operation Chefs Unite (OCU) and partnered with the USO, food has been delivered for our troops traveling through Atlanta’s airport. Today’s food was prepared by Chef Caroline Morris and Wayne Farms. I asked one solder if he had enough to eat. With a big smile on his face he replied, “Enough and then some.” I cannot even tell you how his smile warmed my heart. Moments later he told me how he had said good-buy to his wife and two small children not knowing for sure just how long he will be away from them.

Providing a simple meal may not seem like much compared to what these men and women do for us and our country. Nevertheless, as I watched each one sit to eat, there was a sense of gratitude on their faces. Such a simple thing, yet so appreciated. If you would like to become involved by providing a meal please take a look at our calendar for available dates. You may contact Chef Rusty Sigmon, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Chef Howard Cooper (Coops), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details. Remember, OCU needs each of you if we are going to make a difference in the lives of our troops.