FORT JACKSON, SC (WOLO) — Thousands of Army trainees and soldiers at Fort Jackson are being treated to a Thanksgiving feast this week. As part of the installation’s annual Thanksgiving tradition, unit leaders serve the soldiers their meal. In total, over 3,500 pounds of turkey, 3,600 pounds of ham, 6,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, and thousands of pies will be dished out. Commanding General of the Army Training Center, Major General Daryl Hood says Fort Jackson may not be home, but the meal brings a little taste of home to everyone. “They talk about ‘Hey, this mac and cheese reminds me of my grandmother’s recipe, or this sweet potato or pumpkin pie — that’s exactly how my mother made it.’ Regardless of where they’re from — the south, the north, the west, the east, the Midwest, so I think we have it covered pretty well,” he says. And for many of the young trainees, this marks their first time away from their families over Thanksgiving. “It’s pretty weird my family is really tight so we have all the Thanksgivings and Christmases at my house, and we all get together and we’re a close family, so it’s different being away from home,” says Alan Gaines from Texas. “I know tomorrow I’m gonna cry because I’m so family oriented and I’ve never been away from them for the holiday so I’ll see how tomorrow goes. I’ll see how tomorrow goes,” says Diamond Malone from Louisiana. “Yea this is my 1st Thanksgiving away from home. So it’s definitely hard, but I’m super happy to be here and I can’t wait to graduate next week,” says Daniel McMillan from Illinois. But they say the food and the service from their officers make things a little easier. “It felt good to have them give us something in return instead of just corrective action or what’s the word constructive criticism,” says Gaines. All three say they’re thankful for their family and new friends, and grateful for the experience. “They really helped me make such a good decision to come to the army, and I’m looking to better myself in that aspect, so I’m just truly blessed and thankful for the people around me, and my drill sergeants and the people I’ve been here with the entire time,” says McMillan. “Anybody who’s going through basic training and thinking about joining the army, just remember you can do anything you put your mind to, and it’s always mind over matter,” says Malone. The trainees have now completed all of their requirements to be called soldiers, and will graduate on December 5th. Categories: Local News, News Tags: Fort Jackson, Thanksgiving