WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- It's a long-standing tradition in the U.S. military. Command staff gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with the men and women who serve under their command. This tradition continues this Thanksgiving at McConnell Air Force Base, where leadership stood behind the chow line, dishing up dinner for the airmen and their families. Corey Damon says Thursday is much different than his normal day-to-day work. He is Wing Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell. Shockers score last-second 3-pointer in overtime to beat Minnesota Not only is Colonel Damon responsible for the wing’s KC-46 and KC-135 aircraft fleet, but he also commands more than 3,500 active-duty Airmen stationed at McConnell. Col. Damon says he knows the airmen under his command are making a difference in the nation and in the lives of their peers. "I know they work hard for this nation," says Col. Damon. "And I just love to come hang out with them, and connect with them, and to be able to say thank you." The tradition dates all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Today, no matter where they are serving or what branch, the U.S. Military provides Thanksgiving meals to their personnel. McConnell anticipated to serve about 70 people on Thursday.