See how members of the US military celebrate Thanksgiving in warzones

Thanksgiving

Associated Press

For America’s troops, being deployed to a warzone is no excuse for missing out on Thanksgiving celebrations.

Even when stationed in far off countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, America’s military service members still get their turkey and stuffing. Soldiers take the day to relax, enjoy some food, and play football.

For troops in Afghanistan, Thanksgiving dinner has been in the works for months. Food, as well as sparkling grape juice, is ordered and shipped up to four months in advance.

Check out these photos of members of the US military celebrating one of America’s biggest holidays while deployed around the world

Despite being deployed to warzones, large military bases will usually hold a Thanksgiving feast for the soldiers, such as this one in Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2011.

Despite being deployed to warzones, large military bases will usually hold a Thanksgiving feast for the soldiers, such as this one in Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2011.

Associated Press

Military personnel and civilian contractors are all treated to Thanksgiving buffets made by fellow servicemen.

Military personnel and civilian contractors are all treated to Thanksgiving buffets made by fellow servicemen.

Reuters

Military bases are decorated to look more festive for the holiday, like this display at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014.

Military bases are decorated to look more festive for the holiday, like this display at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014.

Associated Press

Some soldiers celebrate by decorating themselves. Here, US soldiers wear turkey-shaped hats as they attend Thanksgiving dinner at their base in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013.

Some soldiers celebrate by decorating themselves. Here, US soldiers wear turkey-shaped hats as they attend Thanksgiving dinner at their base in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013.

Associated Press

But soldiers still carry their weapons with them, just as they would any other day in a warzone.

But soldiers still carry their weapons with them, just as they would any other day in a warzone.

Reuters

Even at smaller combat outposts, Thanksgiving dinner is essential.

Even at smaller combat outposts, Thanksgiving dinner is essential.

Associated Press

Of course, there are football games on Thanksgiving as well. Here, US soldiers play a game of football on Thanksgiving Day inside the army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq in 2016.

Of course, there are football games on Thanksgiving as well. Here, US soldiers play a game of football on Thanksgiving Day inside the army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq in 2016.

Reuters

The Navy provides Thanksgiving turkey for crew members out at sea.

The Navy provides Thanksgiving turkey for crew members out at sea.

REUTERS/U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex King/Handout via Reuters

American troops are not the only ones who enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities. Georgian soldiers, part of NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan, join in on Thanksgiving dinner.

American troops are not the only ones who enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities. Georgian soldiers, part of NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan, join in on Thanksgiving dinner.

Associated Press

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Associated Press

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Mark Wolf
Author: Mark Wolf

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