Mo and Angie Aliabadi know how to thank Soldiers and their families. "We benefit from the presence of and sacrifices these men and women (make)," Aliabadi said as he sat in his immaculate office at South Tacoma Auto. "They serve us every day, and we would like to serve them tonight."

Owned by the Aliabadis, South Tacoma Auto served for the second year as the site for a Family Feast for Military Families on Dec. 15.

The meal coincided with the last day of America's military involvement in Iraq. "This is great; this is good," Angie Aliabadi said as she sat next to her husband. "The day the war ends in Iraq is the day we should be thanking these brave men and women."

A festive atmosphere greeted the more than 350 Servicemembers and dependents as they walked in the front doors. The dinner tables were draped in red and white tablecloths, holiday balloons floated everywhere and holiday music filled the air.  Santa Claus sat and listened to the children's wish lists.

Dealership employees served as valets, doorpersons and escorts.

A catered dinner awaited all who attended. Raffle tickets (at no cost) were provided, and someone walked out the door with a $1,000 check.

Despite the preparations, several individuals said the dealership hosted the dinner only to boost its business profile. "The underground at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is saying that this is only about their business," Teresa LeClear said.

The vast majority of individuals attending, however, thought otherwise.

"Everything the dealership has done makes us feel very appreciated," Kimberly Danley said as she sat next to her husband, Spc. Ryne Danley, 55th Air Defense Artillery. "We sacrifice, and it's good to have a night where they saw fit to serve dinner to us.  They've done a magnificent job."

At a nearby table, Lizbeth Rodriquez nodded her head in agreement as she sat next to her husband, Staff Sgt. Abel Rodriquez, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. "Few outside the military understand what we face, and it feels good to be welcomed," she said.

Throughout the evening, Angie Aliabadi made her way around the tables, wishing military families a happy holidays. "It is nice to be thought of. These Soldiers and their families should be remembered," she said.  "And that is all we're doing tonight."

The event was also sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union and The Ranger and NW Airlifter newspapers.