MILDENHALL, England -- Senior citizens in the local community were served an early festive offering with a Thanksgiving lunch at the social club in Mildenhall, Nov. 15, 2018.
The 100th Air Refueling Wing commander and 352nd Special Operations Wing commander, along with other leaders from RAF Mildenhall and the British-American Committee, organized the lunch and were assisted by staff from the social club.
“Most of our Airmen live amongst the community that they are part of, so any opportunity that we have to give back – even something as small as this – we’re very grateful to do it,” said Col. Christopher Amrhein, 100th ARW commander. “We wanted to provide a Thanksgiving meal to some local citizens because from an American perspective, we are far away from our families and as you get into November and December, those holiday periods for Americans are very important and they bring a piece of home.”
Before the meal was served, a blessing was given by the 100th ARW chaplain, and once appetites were satisfied, the guests enjoyed a game of bingo.
“Having this opportunity to have Thanksgiving lunch cooked and served for us has been really wonderful,” said Eileen Wright, a guest at the event, as she gave the food a big thumbs up. “Everyone has looked after us and we’ve had a lovely time.”
RAF Mildenhall leadership and BAC committee chatted with the guests and ensured they were well cared for, while serving up full plates of the turkey lunch.
“These events are important because the local community doesn’t necessarily know we have the British-American Committee, and because I’m on the BAC it means we can embrace the American people being in our locality,” said Anne Greenfield. “Events such as today’s Thanksgiving lunch mean we can bring their traditions from America to show some of the locals. So many of the people I’ve been talking to today are on their own, and they’re either meeting up with friends or making friends, and that’s just amazing. Today has been a tremendous success.”
Team Mildenhall leadership praised the BAC for organizing the lunch.
“It’s a great partnership – not just between the entities on base, but the local community too,” said Col. Matthew Smith, 352nd SOW commander. “This is an extension of that relationship, and gives us an opportunity to get out there with the members of the BAC and engage with fellowship in the community, I think it’s a positive for everybody, and it’s a great cultural exchange.”