Stuffing and love

PLU hosts 5th Thanksgiving dinner

By J.M. Simpson on November 29, 2018

The dinner was an outpouring of love and stuffing.

For the fifth year in a row, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) hosted its annual Operation Thanksgiving Dinner in Chris Knutzen Hall for about 80 soldiers who have just arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"For ninety percent of these servicemembers, this is their first Thanksgiving away from home," said retired SFC Michael Farnum, Director of Military Outreach, at the university.

"We are ‘paying it forward' because what we do here tonight to help these soldiers may lead them some day to do the same for future soldiers."

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Air Force Association (AFA) joined PLU's Center for Military Support in putting on the dinner.

"So how many of you want me to stop talking and sit down so you can eat?" asked Allan Belton, PLU's president, with a clear sense of humor.

The answer became readily apparent, and within moments the soldiers lined up to receive a turkey dinner with all the fixings.

"This is wonderful," said Spc. Keon Yoo. "I arrived at JBLM three days ago, and this is a great way to spend my first Thanksgiving away from home."