'Mission: Breakfast' feeds thousands at JBSA-Lackland

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –

The “Mission: Breakfast” event at JBSA-Lackland May 7 treated approximately 6,000 active duty, Reserve, Guard, retired and veteran service members and their families to a complimentary breakfast along with live music and giveaways.

The JBSA-Lackland Commissary won the event for the JBSA military-connected community by being named the winner of the 2023 J.M. Smucker Company “Mission: Breakfast” contest, an annual competition among military installation commissaries for the best in-store display of the Smucker’s company’s products.

"Mission: Breakfast" representatives hold the event to honor the military and veteran community.

“We want to give back to our military personnel and say thank you for all that they do for our country,” said Mark P. Smucker, the president and CEO of the J.M. Smucker Company. “This is a very small way we can give back.”

Smucker emphasized that supporting veterans is not only important to the company but also deeply meaningful to his family. His father, Tim Smucker, started his Air Force journey at JBSA-Lackland in 1969.

The free event was open to all Department of Defense cardholders and their families as well as veterans with a veteran health ID card registered to JBSA. The event offered a complimentary catered breakfast of pancakes, biscuits, sausages, chicken, yogurt, muffins, juice and coffee. Guests were also treated to live music by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West and Gyth Rigdon, a finalist on “The Voice,” recreational activities and complimentary company products.

“They have provided this breakfast for our entire base ... if you have a DOD ID card, you can show up for breakfast,” emphasized Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas Harrell, the Defense Health Network Central director and 59th Medical Wing commander, during his opening remarks. “I'm so grateful for our service members who protect our nation each day. It is a pleasure and honor to serve alongside each of them. Thanks to everyone in and outside of the military who planned and worked hard to make this event a success so we could come together and share breakfast, music, and games."

Throughout the morning, Al Roker, weather anchor and journalist for the “Today” show, broadcast live from the event while highlighting service members and senior JBSA leaders.

Col. Billy Wilson Jr., the 737th Training Group commander, spoke with Roker about his military service and the role he plays in the Air Force’s Basic Military Training program. He explained that he is excited to be part of this crucial first step for an enlisted career with the Department of the Air Force.

“I’m here because of my commitment to young people and helping them to discover themselves through service to our country, while helping them develop personally and professionally,” he said. “The Air Force is a great way of life.”

Previous winners of the “Mission: Breakfast” contest include the following commissaries: