Families to open doors for AiT during Thanksgiving Published Nov. 18, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Community and military families will open their doors for Sheppard's Airmen-in-Training as part of Operation Thanksgiving Nov. 26. This will be the thirty-second year the program will connect students with the community to celebrate the holiday together by sharing a meal and traditions. Last year, more than 500 AiT participated in Operation Thanksgiving. "Operation Thanksgiving provides Sheppard's chaplain team the opportunity to help students get out and not feel confined to the dorms," said Capt. Phillip Griffin, a chaplain at Sheppard. "The holidays can be a very lonely time if you don't have the opportunity to go home. We want students to know there are hundreds of people that care about them and thank them for their service." He said the surrounding community is very supportive of the military and can reaffirm to the AiT that they made a good decision when they joined the Air Force. Airman Chanelle Lunbery, 383rd Training Squadron student, said she plans on participating in Operation Thanksgiving and is looking forward to a "nice home cooked meal." "The fact that people are willing to take Airmen into their homes shows how much people really care and support the Air Force," she said. "It gives Airmen the chance to meet new people and learn their experiences." Airman Lunbery said although she misses her family, spending Thanksgiving with another family will make the holiday less lonely. Chaplain Griffin said this is also an opportunity for Airmen to share the Air Force story with the community. "The people of the surrounding communities care very deeply about their country and show their pride by reaching out to Sheppard and opening their homes to Airmen," he said. "It's an extension of love and support for service members." Airmen interested in participating may sign up with their military training leader. Airmen may wear business casual civilian clothes, no jeans. Families that want to host Airmen will pick them up from the community center at 10 a.m. Airmen must return to the base no later than 10 p.m. For more information about Operation Thanksgiving, contact Staff Sgt. Scotty Duncan at 676-0013.