TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Service members from across Tinker Air Force Base were treated to a Texas-style barbecue here Dec. 11, 2024.
The meal, served by A Warriors Table, was an expression of gratitude for the men and women who have recently deployed and the families who support them.
“Our warfighters are serving across the globe to protect freedom, we can never thank them enough,” said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Gradel, 72nd Air Base Wing command chief. “Giving our Airmen the opportunity to come together for a delicious meal with camaraderie was just one way we can say thank you for everything they do every day.”
A Warriors Table is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Texas-style barbecue meals to active-duty military and their families.
"We ended up at Tinker largely due to the persistence of Gradel and his team," said Lee Smith, co-founder and CEO of A Warriors Table. "When we reached out to the base inquiring whether they would be interested in having us, they jumped at the chance and helped us work through some of the hurdles that come with such an event."
A Warriors Table's love for barbecue dates back more than 30 years, when its members first met while serving barbecue at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's World Championship BBQ Cookoff. With several national championships under their belt, they knew their barbecue would be a hit with military personnel and that they could serve up more than just a meal - they could serve up a sense of community, appreciation and gratitude.
"These thank-you meals are intended as a show of gratitude to all members of the family, for the hardships they endured while under deployment, and the elation of having them back home once the deployment has ended," Smith said.
The visit to Tinker was a resounding success, with many personnel and their families enjoying the meal and warm hospitality. By sharing their love for barbecue and their respect for the military, A Warriors Table hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they touch and remind Airmen that they are valued, appreciated and supported.