Pentagon sends 300,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving dinner to troops at the Mexican border and around the world

• The Pentagon sends 74,036 pounds of beef, 7,836 gallons of eggnog, and 81,360 pies to American troops ahead of Thanksgiving.
• In all, Defense Logistics Agency delivered more than 300,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving food to field kitchens, galleys, and dining facilities throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa and on the southwestern border.

U.S. Marines and sailors are served a Thanksgiving meal aboard the USS Oak Hil.

U.S. Marine Corps photo

WASHINGTON — Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Pentagon sent nearly 52,000 pounds of roasted turkey to American troops stationed on the U.S. border with Mexico and around the world.

In all, the Departments' Defense Logistics Agency delivered more than 300,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving food, like ham and sweet potatoes, to service members throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa and on the southwestern border.

This year service members received:

• 9,738 whole turkeys
• 51,234 pounds of roasted turkey
• 74,036 pounds of beef
• 21,758 pounds of ham
• 67,860 pounds of shrimp
• 16,284 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 81,360 pies
• 19,284 cakes
• 7,836 gallons of eggnog

"Many of America's military men and women are away from home this Thanksgiving, making sacrifices to secure our freedom and to protect our southern border," said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, who oversees the massive logistical operation on behalf of the Defense Department.