Fort Carson Army Cooks Prepare 3,500 Thanksgiving Meals For The Salvation Army

Dan Boyce/CPR News

Cook staff at Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs are preparing about 3,500 Thanksgiving dinners this week for the local Salvation Army.

The army volunteers have been cooking around the clock since Monday at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Kitchen.

“Yesterday, we worked from 4 p.m. to about midnight,” said Pfc. Nathan Obert as he carved into a turkey Wednesday morning. “And then the crew came in about 1 a.m. to continue cooking also.”

The base is preparing 350 turkeys this year, along with 20 cases of green beans, 200 pounds of mashed potatoes and 12 cases of stuffing — all of it donated by local organizations. 

Sgt. 1st Class Corey Wood is supervising the effort between the base and the Salvation Army. which is now in its 29th year. Wood’s job is ensuring the food is cooked to the proper temperature and that portions are evenly dispersed. 

“Our community has done so many great things for the soldiers here,” Wood said. “So, we’re giving back to the community that has given so much to us.”

The preparation will continue through the night. Then, the Salvation Army will pick up the meals Thanksgiving morning bright and early at 5 a.m. to distribute to those in need.