Operation Pajama Party brings Thanksgiving to the dorms

Published Dec. 1, 2010
By Senior Airman Wes Carter
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The holiday season is a time for friends, family and food. Some service members, however, weren't able to travel home for Thanksgiving, so 71st Flying Training Wing leadership ensured Airmen in the dorms got home-cooked food during Operation Pajama Party.

The meal, which included ham, turkey and several other Thanksgiving dishes, was delivered to the dorms at 11 a.m., Thanksgiving Day.

"The Air Force is a family," said Master Sgt. Rachel Moore, 71st Medical Group first sergeant. "We wanted to make sure our Airmen were taken care of this holiday season."

The only responsibility Airmen had for the feast was to bring their appetite.

"Wing leadership provided all of the food," Sergeant Moore said. "The first sergeants took care of the cleanup."

Although the name of the event was Operation Pajama Party, pajamas were not mandatory.

"In the past Airmen have worn pajamas and slippers, like they might at home," Sergeant Moore said. "Street clothes were acceptable as well. It was a fun, stress-free day for all involved."

Like Thanksgiving at home, food left over remained in the dorm kitchen for Airmen to snack on after the event.