The turkeys came tumbling out of the back of an Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse truck. As soon as the vehicle had stopped, the back door was quickly opened and a number of hands began to unload 160 frozen turkeys to hand off to another pair of hands. The line of hands and turkeys extended from the truck in the street to the front door of the 62nd Airlift Wing Headquarter Building at McChord Field.

Operation Turkey Drop was on time and on target.

Escorted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, over 75 community officials, servicemembers and volunteers formed the line to deliver the birds, which will be later distributed to deserving servicemembers. Last Thursday's event provided approximately 1,400 turkeys to various commands around Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"The turkeys go to help servicemembers who can use a helping hand during the Thanksgiving holiday," said Carlene Joseph, the event's organizer.

Once the turkeys were unloaded and a group picture taken, the group jumped backed onto their motorcycles, private vehicles, or a bus provided by the Lucky Eagle Casino, to make more deliveries.

"It is great to help servicemembers," said Joseph, "especially at this time of the year."