JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Dozens of volunteers are working to get ready to serve thousands of active duty service members and their families a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the USO-North Carolina Jacksonville location.

  • The group has been doing it for more than 35 years
  • They serve about 5,000 meals for Christmas and Thanksgiving combined
  • Service members must bring military ID

It’s a tradition they’ve done at the location for more than 35 years for both Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, serving about 5,000 meals for both holidays combined.

"It's just our way of thanking the military and providing a home cooked meal for those who can't go home, or for those whose family members deployed and they want to come in and have a meal with their community. Its just a great way for our community to give back and say thank you,” says Holly Coffer the Coastal Area Director for the Jacksonville location.

The meal is free for active duty service members, National Guard reserve and retirees from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their Jacksonville location, 9 Tallman Street. No reservations are needed, but you must bring a military ID.

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