Sgt. Maj. Michael Shilo, Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB), made his thanks clear.

"We are very thankful for your help in making this holiday season a good one for our soldiers and their families," he said yesterday morning to an assembly of community leaders and soldiers.

"Operation Ham Grenade and the efforts to provide them are truly appreciated."

The burst of holiday spirit had found its mark.

Escorted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, approximately 45 community officials, servicemembers and volunteers -- a couple dressed as elves -- moved 50 hams from the back of a truck to a cart full of boxes.

Throughout the day, Operation Ham Grenade provided 1,050 hams to Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldiers and airmen.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to help over 100 plus WTB soldiers," said 1st Sgt. Reynaldo Turcios-Rios, as he watched the unloading process.

Once the "grenades of ham" had been tossed into boxes, the caravan reformed and headed off to another objective.

"Our junior soldiers and their families appreciate the great showing of care," concluded Turcios-Rios."

"It is the wonderful at this time of the year."

Give thanks to our generous sponsors:

Edward Jones (Chris Dolan)
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
JBLM Sergeants Major Association
Pacific Lutheran University
Puyallup Tribe of Indians
Cannon Construction
Harborstone Credit Union
The Boeing Company, C-17 Program
The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse
DaVita, Kidney Care
America's Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union
Rite in the Rain
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
Wounded Warrior Project
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
GEICO Local Office
Tactical Tailor
Cargill and Associates
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Pet Brigade
Northwest Airlifter/The Ranger
LeMay, Pierce County Refuse
Patriot's Landing
Saint Martin's University
Northwest Harley-Davidson
Caliber Home Loans
Pioneer Services, a Division of MidCountry Bank
Little Caesar's Pizza
US Family Health Plan
Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor
Better Business Bureau Northwest
CalPortland
Rainier Connect
Airstreams, Renewables Inc.
Olympia Eagle Distributing
Best Western Premier Plaza Hotel and Conference Center