FORT LEE, Va. -- Young soldiers, many having their first Thanksgiving in the U.S. Army and away from home, walked in expecting their usual lunch on Thanksgiving.
But they left with an experience many will never forget.
The first thing most notice is the food: crab legs, turkey legs, steamship round, stuffing. It's a feast featuring basically any Thanksgiving dish you can think of for the occasion.
But then they spot them. The officers they see everyday are in their dress uniforms and behind the serving line, serving lunch to the enlisted.
"It's pretty cool having the 1st Sergeant and Captain here doing it for us, it gives them a lot of respect," Private Jessica Municcendo said.
Most being served have been in the Army less than a year and never thought they'd see.
Officers behind the serving line
"They're suppose to be at home with their family's for Thanksgiving but they decided to be here with us today," Private Amber Ruffin said.
For the officers, like Captain Constance Marable, it is a memorable experience.
"It's kind of exciting for the leaders to do this because we know they can't get home and it's a little lonely when they have to be here," Marable said while serving a dinner plate.
The Thanksgiving feast was days in the making, with many working through the night to make sure it was ready Thanksgiving Day.
