Annual Turkey Drop helps Guardsmen in need during holiday season

Members of the Washington National Guard aren’t immune to food insecurity, which is often exacerbated during the holiday months.

“So many are still in need, and that affects some of our Guard families,” said Deb. Discolo, lead military and family readiness specialist for the Washington National Guard’s Joint Service Support. “We do our best to help them through the holidays and take some of that stress off their plate.”

On November 10, 2021, the JSS conducted its annual Turkey Drop on Camp Murray.

During the drive-up style event, volunteers from the Army National Guard’s personnel office handed out meals and gift cards for turkeys. Mark Glenn, the chief information officer for the Washington Military Department and the founder of “Sgt. Husky,” a non-profit to improve the lives and well-being of veterans and service members, handed out additional gift cards and University of Washington football tickets.

“As a veteran, it is all about giving back to those that serve,” said Glenn. “Coming together to support our military community is the right thing to do.”

More than 175 families were provided with meals, totaling nearly 800 family members. While donations were made by multiple non-profits, it was the personnel office team that stepped up to make this event happen. The team from Building 15 raised nearly $2,000 in donations for the event.

“This event truly was Guardsmen coming together to support Guardsmen,” said Discolo. “If not for Chief Orr and the team at the G1, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Next month, the Joint Service Support will host the annual Holiday Magic event, which helps with meals and gifts. For more information please email – wafamilyprogramevents@gmail.com