LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
San Antonio area families can share their warmth and hospitality with Airmen at Lackland this Thanksgiving by giving them a chance to enjoy a holiday meal in a family atmosphere through Operation Homecooking.
Now in its 35th year, the program provides the opportunity for families to share their traditional Thanksgiving celebrations with Air Force basic trainees and technical school students.
Throughout the years, families have generously opened their homes to these young men and women, recognizing that many of them are away from home for the first time.
Two Airmen will be placed with each host. Last year, local residents hosted 3,662 Airmen for Thanksgiving dinner.
"Operation Homecooking shows Airmen how much the American public (appreciates) their many sacrifices and hard work," said Donald Steele, 737th Training Support Squadron training operations flight chief.
Families within the San Antonio metropolitan area may invite two Airmen by calling 671-5453, 671-5454 or 671-3701, beginning Nov. 1.
Calls will be taken weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone lines will remain open until Nov. 24. Once registration is full, Mr. Steele said people may be placed on a standby list.
On Thanksgiving, Airmen must be picked up at the BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246, between 7-11 a.m. They must be returned back to the base by 7 p.m.
Due to increased security measures throughout the Department of Defense, a background check must be accomplished on all visitors accessing Lackland.
Anyone applying to participate as a host for Operation Homecooking must provide their driver's license number, or state issued ID number, as well as the name of the state issuing the license or ID.
For more information and a complete list of rules and requirements, visit
http://www.lackland.af.mil/homecook/index.asp.