JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston has opened registration for the 2019 Mission Thanksgiving to allow Soldiers a taste of home during the holidays.
For many young Soldiers attending training at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Thanksgiving will be their first major holiday away from their home and family. Soldiers are committed to their training and understand the sacrifice of their service, but for some it can be lonely being away.
Mission Thanksgiving at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston started more than 20 years ago when area families and the installation chaplains joined to start a program providing an opportunity for Soldiers to take a break from training and enjoy a Thanksgiving within a family environment.
This annual event offers an opportunity for the community to host Soldiers to their home for Thanksgiving Day. Last year, 235 families and 700 Soldiers participated in Mission Thanksgiving.
Families will check in at Blesse Auditorium located on the first floor of Willis Hall, building 2841, at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence between 7-8 a.m. Nov. 28.
After opening remarks by Maj. Gen. Patrick D. Sargent, MEDCoE commanding general, from 8-8:15 a.m., families and Soldiers will depart at 8:15 a.m. The Soldiers must return no later than 9 p.m. at the 232nd, 187th and 264th Medical Battalion areas.
For more information on how to register, visit the MEDCoE website at https://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/mission-thanksgiving/. You can also send an email to usarmy.jbsa.medical-coe.mbx.mission-thanksgiving@mail.mil, call 210-669-7067, or search online for keywords "MEDCoE Mission Thanksgiving." Registration will close once the capacity of approved host families is reached.