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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 17, 2025

Operation Home Cooking: Approximately 400 host families needed to share Thanksgiving Day festivities with trainees

By Vanessa R. Adame 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

ALL SLOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED.

Basic Military Training is looking for approximately 400 host families to share Thanksgiving Day festivities with trainees who are away from home for the holiday. Volunteer families must be within one hour of the San Antonio metro area.

This year’s participants are in the sixth and seventh week of basic training – including graduating Airmen without visiting family and friends for graduation.

Volunteer host families must be willing to accept two trainees into their home to support BMT’s Wingman Concept.

Please note that volunteer hosts should submit information as soon as possible as slots fill up quickly. Due to scheduling and escort requirements, volunteers cannot request to host specific trainees.

Host families must provide transportation – pick-up and drop-off is the Pfingston Reception Center at JBSA-Lackland. Pick-up time from BMT is from 7 to 9:30 a.m., with curfew time for return at either 6 or 7 p.m., depending on the week of training of the BMT member.

Specific curfews are driven by mission requirements. Remember to plan for holiday traffic when returning to BMT to ensure curfew times are met.

Volunteer host families must provide the following information via email:

SUBJECT: Operation Home Cooking Host Request

BODY OF EMAIL:

Last Name, First Name (individual picking trainee/wingman up):

Address with Zip Code:

Phone Number:

Social Security Number:

Driver’s License Number and State:

Date of Birth:

DOD ID Card number (if applicable):

Email: