Community gives Airmen a Thanksgiving away from home Published Nov. 30, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen unable to be with their families because of their service to the nation were guests of local resident Nov. 26 during the 32nd Annual Operation Thanksgiving. This year more than 260 Airmen were welcomed to a "home away from home" to enjoy a home-cooked meal and some socializing. More than 110 families volunteered to host Airmen including Loretta Mullin, a member of the local community who hosted three Airmen this year and has participated in Operation Thanksgiving for five years, she said. "I have family in the Army and Air Force and I hope someone would do the same for them," she said. The Airmen Mrs. Mullin sponsored were very appreciative of her hospitality for different reasons. Airman 1st Class Jeff Brice, a student from the 361st Training Squadron, said he wanted to experience the other side of Operation Thanksgiving. "Both of my parents were Air Force and we've hosted Airmen before, so it was really nice for me to experience the other side of things," he said. Airman Mario Aguilar, 362nd TRS, said he felt like he belonged. "I couldn't be home with my family so to be able to spend time with someone else's family makes me feel like I belong somewhere," he said. Jacob McDaniel, an Operation Thanksgiving coordinator of the 82nd Training Wing chaplains' office said, Operation Thanksgiving gave trainees of all branches here at Sheppard a chance to have a sit-down meal on Thanksgiving in a family environment.