Vice President J.D. Vance Serves Thanksgiving Meals to U.S. Troops at Fort Campbell

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — On Thanksgiving Day, Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their children, joined soldiers and their families at Fort Campbell to serve holiday meals and express gratitude for their service. The visit, filled with the sound of laughter and the clatter of trays, brought a spirit of warmth and unity to one of the nation’s largest military installations.

A Thanksgiving of Gratitude and Service

Wearing aprons over their formal attire, the Vance family stepped behind the serving line early in the afternoon. Troops lined up for turkey, mashed potatoes, and traditional sides, greeted personally by the Vice President and his family. Even young Mirabel Vance played a part—handing out butter with enthusiasm, often drawing smiles from soldiers far from their own families this season.

The visit underscored the administration’s message of respect and appreciation for the Armed Forces during a time when many service members are deployed or on standby across the globe. Vice President Vance emphasized the importance of community and service, noting that “no holiday shines brighter than one shared with those who sacrifice for the country.”

Fort Campbell: A Legacy of Strength and Sacrifice

Located on the Kentucky–Tennessee border, Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles,” and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. With more than 27,000 active-duty soldiers, the base has long been a strategic hub for U.S. operations worldwide.

Its soldiers have served in nearly every major conflict since World War II, including recent missions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The installation’s size and significance make it a symbolic location for the Vice President to underscore national support for servicemembers.

Historically, presidents and vice presidents have often spent major holidays with troops as part of a longstanding tradition dating back to World War II. Such visits serve both ceremonial and morale-boosting purposes, reminding the nation that gratitude toward those in uniform extends beyond policy speeches and parades.

A Day of Connection and Community

Inside the base’s dining facility, rows of tables were draped in autumn colors. Aromas of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and gravy filled the air. Vice President Vance chatted with soldiers and their families about their duties, hometowns, and how they planned to connect virtually with loved ones stateside and abroad. His wife, Usha, served green beans and dressing, exchanging warm words with military spouses who spoke about the challenges of frequent moves and deployments.

The family’s genuine participation elicited appreciation from attendees. “It means a lot that they took the time to be here,” said Sgt. Matthew Larkin of the 101st Airborne’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “It’s not just about the food—it’s that someone from Washington came to say thank you in person.”

Continuing a Presidential Tradition

Thanksgiving visits to troops have long carried powerful symbolism. In 2003, then-President George W. Bush made a surprise visit to Baghdad to serve turkey during the Iraq War. More recently, leaders have made it a point to share meals or calls with service members stationed both domestically and internationally. These gestures, while ceremonial on the surface, reinforce the administration’s connection to military personnel who serve far from home.

Vice President Vance’s presence at Fort Campbell also follows a broader push by the administration to engage directly with military families. Over the past year, senior officials have toured bases across the country to address issues such as housing quality, healthcare access, and spousal employment—concerns that remain central to the daily lives of enlisted families.

The Human Cost of Service During the Holidays

For many at Fort Campbell, Thanksgiving brings mixed emotions—joy for those gathered together, but also longing for those serving overseas. The base currently supports deployments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with units spread across multiple time zones. In the dining area, a digital screen displayed messages from units stationed abroad, their recorded greetings reminding everyone that the commitment to service never truly pauses.

“It’s days like this that really make you appreciate the sense of family we have in uniform,” said Capt. Rebecca Howard, a logistics officer with the 101st. “Even when we’re away from our own families, we still come together.”

Economic and Cultural Impact of Military Communities

Fort Campbell plays a vital role not just in defense but in the regional economy. The installation contributes billions annually through payroll, procurement, and service contracts. Local businesses in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, rely heavily on the demand generated by soldiers and their families. Restaurants, housing developments, and small businesses often see an uptick during major base events, such as holiday gatherings and homecomings.

The Thanksgiving celebration also draws attention to the unique culture that military life fosters—an interwoven community shaped by discipline, resilience, and diversity. Soldiers at Fort Campbell represent every state and reflect the demographic mosaic of the nation. Shared holiday meals are more than a ritual; they serve as a reminder of unity through difference, a microcosm of national spirit.

Comparing Traditions Across the Nation

Other U.S. military bases held similar Thanksgiving events this week. At Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, volunteers served nearly 6,000 meals to sailors on duty. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, military families gathered for a feast organized by local veterans’ groups and community partners. Across installations, the theme remained consistent—gratitude for service, community support, and an enduring sense of duty.

Compared to coastal and overseas bases, Fort Campbell’s Thanksgiving gathering stood out for its scale and visibility, owing to the Vice President’s participation and the presence of one of the Army’s most storied divisions. The event drew national attention, highlighting the continuing connection between military service and American tradition.

A Season of Reflection

For Vice President Vance, who has spoken publicly about his working-class Appalachian roots and the importance of service, the Fort Campbell visit carried personal resonance. His decision to involve his family in the event reflected a broader message about instilling civic values in the next generation. In short remarks to assembled troops, he emphasized gratitude not only for military service but also for the resilience that defines American families during times of challenge.

The Vice President’s visit came amid a season of global uncertainty, when U.S. forces remain engaged in deterrence operations and humanitarian missions across multiple regions. While the event centered on Thanksgiving fellowship, the underlying message touched on endurance, unity, and service to something greater than oneself.

Local Reactions and Broader Significance

Residents of surrounding communities expressed pride that their base had received national recognition on such a meaningful day. Local media highlighted the boost to morale and the positive ripple effects of the visit. For families separated by deployment, the event served as a reminder that their sacrifices are seen and appreciated at the highest levels.

Economic analysts noted that such high-profile visits also bring attention to the importance of sustained federal investment in military installations, which are often economic anchors in rural and suburban regions. With Fort Campbell employing tens of thousands of civilians in addition to active-duty personnel, the base’s wellbeing directly influences local prosperity.

A Thanksgiving to Remember

As the day came to a close, soldiers lingered to take photos with the Vice President’s family. Children dressed in holiday outfits waved small American flags, while country music played quietly in the background. For a few hours, the worries of deployment schedules, readiness drills, and global tensions gave way to a simple act of shared gratitude.

Vice President Vance and his family departed in the early evening, leaving behind a message that resonated deeply within the walls of the dining hall and across the broader military community: that the nation remembers, values, and stands beside those who serve—especially on days meant for family, reflection, and thanks.