Vice President JD Vance Visits Fort Campbell to Celebrate Thanksgiving with U.S. Troops
A Thanksgiving Visit to Honor Service Members
Fort Campbell, Kentucky — Vice President JD Vance spent the Thanksgiving holiday honoring American troops at Fort Campbell, where he and his family joined service members for a day of celebration and gratitude. Accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their children, Vance served holiday meals, greeted soldiers, and shared conversations reflecting the nation’s appreciation for its military personnel.
The visit, which took place amid preparations for the busy holiday travel season, provided a moment of community and recognition for troops stationed at one of the nation’s most important military bases. Fort Campbell, home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), has long stood as a pillar of American defense readiness, with units frequently deployed around the globe. For many stationed there, this year’s Thanksgiving marked another celebration spent away from extended family.
Family, Gratitude, and Service
Vice President Vance’s arrival at the installation was met with warm applause from soldiers and their families gathered at the base dining facility, which had been transformed into a festive hall adorned with autumn leaves, flags, and seasonal décor. Together with his family, Vance helped distribute traditional Thanksgiving dishes — roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie — engaging directly with troops as he moved through the serving line.
“Today is about showing our deep gratitude to those who protect and defend this country,” Vance said in remarks to those assembled. He thanked both active-duty service members and their loved ones, acknowledging the sacrifices made not just by those in uniform, but also by families who endure long separations during deployments.
The vice president’s wife, Usha Vance, also spoke briefly with military spouses and children attending the event, emphasizing the importance of community support within military life. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying that the visit brought a comforting sense of recognition during the holiday season.
The Legacy of Fort Campbell
Located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Campbell has a storied place in U.S. military history. Established in 1941 during World War II, it has served as a critical hub for training and deploying airborne and air assault units. The base’s most recognizable component, the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles,” has participated in every major American conflict since the Second World War.
In recent decades, Fort Campbell’s soldiers have played key roles in U.S. operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions, maintaining a high tempo of readiness that reflects the evolving demands of modern warfare. The division’s rapid deployment capability continues to make it one of the most strategically valuable units in the nation’s defense structure.
During the Thanksgiving visit, many soldiers reflected on that legacy, noting that such visits from national leaders boost morale and remind them that their service is recognized beyond the gates of the base.
A Symbolic Gesture with Deep Roots
Presidential and vice-presidential visits to military bases during holidays have deep roots in American tradition. Dating back to World War II, senior government officials have often made it a point to spend significant national holidays alongside military personnel, using the occasion to demonstrate unity and gratitude.
George H.W. Bush visited U.S. troops stationed abroad during Thanksgiving in 1990 ahead of the Gulf War; Presidents Obama and Trump also shared meals with deployed service members on similar occasions. This continuity of tradition underscores a consistent message — that service to country transcends political divides and remains one of the nation’s most honored commitments.
Vance’s visit to Fort Campbell continues that lineage, serving both as a symbolic and practical affirmation of support for the armed forces. Observers noted that such gestures resonate particularly during a time of global uncertainty, with U.S. forces maintaining readiness in multiple regions.
Military Life and Holiday Challenges
For service members stationed far from home, the holiday season can bring both pride and homesickness. Fort Campbell, with its large population of active-duty soldiers, families, and civilian employees, organizes community-oriented events each Thanksgiving to offer comfort and camaraderie.
This year’s festivities included live music, games for children, and visits from local volunteers who helped assemble care packages for deployed troops. Military chaplains led brief moments of reflection, honoring those unable to return home for the holidays.
Specialist Laura McKinney, a logistics coordinator recently back from a Middle East rotation, described the atmosphere as “uplifting and genuine.” She added, “To know the country remembers us — especially through visits like this — means a lot when you’re far from family.”
The Broader Economic Impact of Military Installations
Fort Campbell contributes significantly to the regional economy of southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. With more than 30,000 active-duty soldiers and a civilian workforce exceeding 8,000, the base is among the largest employers in the region. Local businesses in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, report that holiday periods bring an uptick in both spending and community engagement surrounding military events.
Analysts estimate that Fort Campbell’s economic impact exceeds $5 billion annually, supporting industries ranging from housing and retail to healthcare and education. Public-private partnerships have also expanded in recent years, emphasizing veteran employment initiatives and local infrastructure improvements.
Vice President Vance’s visit brought renewed focus to these economic connections, as officials highlighted ongoing federal investments in military housing, family services, and veteran support programs. In conversations with base leadership, Vance discussed efforts to modernize infrastructure, improve access to healthcare, and strengthen mental health services — priorities that extend beyond the holiday season.
Public Reaction and Community Pride
Word of the vice president’s visit spread quickly through nearby communities, where residents often describe Fort Campbell as an integral part of local identity. Civic groups, churches, and schools routinely organize donation drives and outreach events to support military families during holidays.
At a nearby community center, residents watching coverage of the event expressed appreciation for the visit, calling it “a meaningful gesture that honors real heroes.” Local officials also welcomed the attention, noting that frequent engagement from national leaders helps raise awareness of the ongoing contributions and challenges faced by military families.
Regional Comparisons and Military Traditions
Across the United States, similar Thanksgiving observances play out at key installations such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Each base tailors its celebrations to reflect local traditions, unit heritage, and the diverse backgrounds of its service members.
At Fort Bragg, soldiers and their families attended a community run earlier in the week, followed by large-scale meals hosted by commanding officers. At Naval Station Norfolk, sailors received Thanksgiving dinner aboard docked ships and in base facilities, with volunteers from nearby communities contributing desserts and decorations. These parallels underscore a nationwide effort to maintain morale across the armed forces during festive seasons, ensuring that those serving far from home still feel connected to the broader national community.
Looking Ahead
As the Thanksgiving celebrations concluded at Fort Campbell, the Vance family joined soldiers in expressing hopes for peace and safety in the coming year. While the event was rooted in gratitude, it also served as a reminder of the ongoing demands placed on U.S. forces — from overseas deployments to domestic humanitarian operations.
In remarks closing the visit, Vance emphasized unity and resilience: “The strength of this nation rests on the men and women who serve it — and on the families who support them. We thank you not just today, but every day.”
For those in attendance, the gesture marked more than a holiday visit. It was a reaffirmation of the bond between America’s civilian leadership and its military community — one that continues to define the country’s character through every generation.
As the sun set over the wide expanse of Fort Campbell’s parade grounds, soldiers returned to duty stations, and families gathered in small groups for the evening’s final celebrations. For many, the day’s events carried a lasting message of gratitude: that in serving one another, especially on days of reflection and thanks, the nation’s spirit remains united.