148th Supports 20th Annual Thanksgiving Buffet

  • Published
  • By Maj. Audra Flanagan
  • 148FW
DULUTH, Minn. --  The 148th Fighter Wing proudly supported the 20th Annual Thanksgiving Buffet held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on Thanksgiving. Approximately 3,700 people attended this year's buffet, and another 1,000 meals were delivered to people who could not attend the buffet.

It takes 1,000 volunteers to peel two tons of potatoes, prepare 1,800 pounds of turkey, 900 pounds of corn and serve nearly 4,000 pieces of dessert. 148th personnel have been volunteering at the Thanksgiving Buffet for five consecutive years. 85 148th volunteers including family members perform a variety of duties. 20 personnel, along with UPS and Gold Cross Ambulance deliver meals to those who cannot leave their homes. Another 65 members boxed up to-go lunches, made 750 bag lunches that can be taken home by Buffet attendees and cut nearly 2,000 pieces of dessert.

Sr. Master Sgt. Lance Johnson has delivered meals for 4 of the last 5 years; missing last year because of his deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Johnson says "I think that's it's important to give back to the community. We all benefit then. This as something that I have instilled in my family, son Dalton as an Eagle Scout, son Tucker is a 1st Class Scout, daughter Jordan as a girl scout, myself Lakewood Volunteer Fire Fighter. We know community service very well. Its a couple hours one day that we as a family can work together for a greater cause."

"The event will continue until there is nobody left in the community who has to spend their Thanksgiving feeling sad or hungry" says co-event founder, Jack Teske. All food left over from the buffet is donated to local food shelves.