Soldiers prepare turkey dinner for Springs' needy

Thirty Army cooks who volunteered to prepare Thanksgiving vittles for 4,500 needy people will get something Thursday they too seldom witness at home or overseas: gratitude.

Army cooks have been the object of derision in the ranks since Roman times, and soldiers’ complaints about chow, even the best chow, remain common. Cooks in uniform have learned to not take it personally.

They expect plenty of compliments, though, when they deliver the Thanksgiving spread they have been preparing since Monday.

“During the holidays, it’s a glamorous job,” said Sgt. 1st Class Damon Cantey as he oversaw the cooking crew.

With a few spices and tricks to keep 250 turkeys juicy, the GIs have been working day and night to ensure the needy get a special meal.

“We’re adding a little Army,” Cantey said.

The soldiers, from units across the post, worked with ingredients donated by the Salvation Army including the turkeys, 35 cases of green beans and 40 cases of stuffing.

Soldiers will also help serve the meal at six locations in Colorado Springs and Fountain.

The hard part is getting the food delivered on time and at temperature. The Army, though, has vast experience and specialized equipment for getting hot food to austere locations.

Fort Carson’s soldiers have been cooking Thanksgiving dinner for those in need since 1989.

Soldiers said preparing the meal is one way they can give back to a town that has been so generous to troops.

“We look forward to it,” said Sgt. Marc Scozzafana.