Saying thank you by feeding the troops

by Roland Balik
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2015 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Years ago, what started out as one family putting out a couple of extra dinner plates for a few friends during the holidays has turned into something bigger and rewarding for one individual with ties to the military and Dover Air Force Base.

The 10th annual Feed the Troops, held Dec. 23, 2014, here, in Building 792 was directed by retired Air Force Reserve Technician Master Sgt. Robert Reese along with the 15 volunteers that helped him cook, set up and serve a traditional holiday meal for about 450 dayshift and 125 nightshift Team Dover members.

"This goes back when I first joined the military, Mom and Dad used to do the same thing," said Reese. "When I came home for the first time, they told me to bring a couple of friends along."

The following year, his parents told Reese to bring more friends and the tradition was set in motion. It was their way of showing their appreciation for the military.
Showing his appreciation for active military members at Dover AFB, Reese held the first Feed the Troops in 2005. Reese retired from the military in 2011 but likes to stay involved with military members and he has enjoyed seeing his program grow.

"Ten years ago, I decided to do the same thing with the help of a couple of friends," said Reese. "It grew from four or five friends to the 15 friends and volunteers for this year's meal, along with Dover Downs allowing us to cook in their facilities."

Civilians in the local community, volunteers from Dover Motorsports and the 512th Airlift Wing served a lunchtime meal for dayshift workers consisting of turkey, stuffing, green beans, corn, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and a wide variety of desserts.

"Four of us started cooking at 2 a.m. in the Dover Downs kitchen," said Reese. "Air Force Reserve Technician Senior Master Sgt. Rene Baldrich, 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, used his vehicle to transport the cooked food in hot food carriers to the base."

Dover Motorsports personnel and family members volunteered as well.

"I think it is important to come out and support the troops that protect us and give us the liberties that we enjoy," said Kevin Mills of Dover Motorsports.

This year, 38 turkeys totaling around 700 pounds were cooked for the meals.

A similar meal was served by volunteers for night shift workers the same day.