"Operation Thanksgiving" Delivers Hundreds of Holiday Meals

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By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Nov 26, 2009 at 6:08 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2009 at 6:08 PM MST

Captain Barron Tompkins and Airman 1st Class Lou Nye were on a mission this morning to bring area seniors a Happy Thanksgiving, one meal at a time.

Tompkins and Nye were just two of the many Malmstrom Air Force Base personnel that volunteered with "Operation Thanksgiving." Meals on Wheels doesn't run on the Thanksgiving holiday, and today's volunteers stepped up to prepare and deliver the turkey and ham dinners.

A crew of volunteers began cooking yesterday,so today's nearly 400 meals could be packed and delivered quickly.

Many of today's volunteer cooks, packers, and drivers were glad to give back to the community that welcomed them into town.

And for the elderly residents who receive each dinner, a delivery is just as much about a chance to talk and share, as it is a nutritious holiday meal.

"Operation Thanksgiving" was such a success, Malmstrom volunteers are planning to prepare and deliver meals this coming Christmas.

Tuesday, Dec 1 at 4:20 PM B&L wrote wrote ...

Barron, great to see you doing what you like doing best, serving others. Blessings to you!!

Tuesday, Dec 1 at 9:18 AM Sharon wrote ...

Many years ago, I washed dishes at mission kitchen with the Barron guy. Taught him well. Wish he would recruit my son. Those girls are cute.

Tuesday, Dec 1 at 9:18 AM Margarita wrote ...

Thank you for being so generous and spending your time helping other people. All of you are very special for doing that. Where is the "University of Pink"?!ha What hard workers!!

Monday, Nov 30 at 5:51 PM Bobby wrote ...

Sounds like a huge team effort! Well done by all!

Monday, Nov 30 at 2:50 PM The Harts wrote ...

Way to go Barron!!! so very proud of you!! Bundle up ! :)

Monday, Nov 30 at 9:36 AM Glen wrote ...

Looking good Air Force!

Monday, Nov 30 at 8:31 AM B wrote ...

Everyone needs to realize this was an effort of 70 plus personnel. That was one person on a team of many. Excellent "volunteer" effort by the men and women of Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Monday, Nov 30 at 12:16 AM Gerri Ayers wrote ...

Congratulations Barron... job well done! These are the stories that should be on national news...it is the heart of our country at its best! Dinner for 400... goodness, I thought dinner for 6 was a task! Proud of you Barron!

Sunday, Nov 29 at 8:47 PM Gawenka wrote ...

Thank you to you and your squadron for making Thanksgiving so special for the people in need in Great Falls.

Sunday, Nov 29 at 8:42 PM Connie & Spencer wrote ...

What a wonderful project to do on Thanksgiving. The Air Force should be very proud of such caring and giving servicemen and women. It gives us much pleasure to see we have such people in the service of our country. Way to go! Connie and Spencer

Sunday, Nov 29 at 8:36 PM Brian wrote ...

What's up with all the women and of course the excellent help you lended over Thanksgiving Day.YO Way to go and a big HOOORRAAHHH. What an awesome job "B".

Sunday, Nov 29 at 8:29 PM Tanya & Bob wrote ...

Way to go, Barron! We love this program you set up with your squadron for the Meals on Wheels Program to allow the workers a chance to enjoy their own Thanksgiving and to make Thanksgiving Day special for the recipients in seeing some of our finest Air Force personnel in action doing good for the community.

Sunday, Nov 29 at 7:03 PM aunt Claudia wrote ...

Way to go, Barron! You make us proud with you super generosity to your new town! We are cheering you on in Iowa!!!!!

Sunday, Nov 29 at 7:02 PM Larry Calahan wrote ...

Way to Go!!! We are very proud of all your efforts and fine display of Christmas Spirit!

Sunday, Nov 29 at 1:16 PM Dotty wrote ...

That is the ultimate in coordination and teamwork - I don't know how many volunteers you had but feeding 400 people deserves our highest praise and Thanks. BRAVO!

Saturday, Nov 28 at 11:01 PM Jack wrote ...

What an amazing show of teamwork - and what an unselfish act of service - ALL are to be congratulated! Thank you and God bless!

Saturday, Nov 28 at 9:55 PM Michael wrote ...

Barron, This is first class customer service. Customer's expect good service soldier and you've done a fine job here of delivering to all expectations. So I give you my congratulations, soldier on a job well done. Great job Captain Tompkins on a successful mission and a job well done.

Saturday, Nov 28 at 9:50 PM Michael wrote ...

Barron, This is first class, grade 1 and grade A service. I'm the manager of a customer service call cetner and this is some of the finest customer service I've ever seen. Great Job Soldier and keep up the Grade A SERVICE. YOU'RE NUMBER 1, TOMPKINS !!!

Saturday, Nov 28 at 9:08 PM Ashley wrote ...

Now why doesn't this make National news - these guys are absolutely tops!! Barron looks big league to me!

Saturday, Nov 28 at 5:57 PM John wrote ...

Barron = $!!! Good job, buddy! Go Team Air Force!

Friday, Nov 27 at 9:13 PM vivian wrote ...

your parents did a good job raising you as is reflected in your latest mission. We need moe like you.

Friday, Nov 27 at 5:26 PM Barron wrote ...

We are doing this for Christmas too!!!

Friday, Nov 27 at 5:19 PM James wrote ...

GO AIR FORCE!!!

Friday, Nov 27 at 9:50 AM Amy wrote ...

No way! I saw that Barron guy at Sam's Club this morning! He asked me about my blue ray player. Had no idea I was talking to a true celebrity!

Friday, Nov 27 at 8:56 AM Melissa Jones wrote ...

Oh my, wish Barron would have come by my place!

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