13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Thanksgiving role reversal for Atterbury troops

Thanksgiving role reversal for Atterbury troops

Cat Andersen/Eyewitness News

Camp Atterbury - More than 600 troops set for deployment to Afghanistan were served a Thanksgiving meal first in Indiana.

There was plenty of comfort food for hundreds of soldiers who couldn't be home for Thanksgiving. But they may have had a surprise at who was doing mess hall duties.

"Today we're going to reverse it. I'm going to serve the soldiers here along with Congressman Dan Burton and his wife and Congressman Steve Buyer. It's just going to be a great day to say thank you to our soldiers who are away from home," said Maj. Gen. Martin Umbarger, Indiana National Guard.

"For these great leaders to take time out today is invaluable," said Col. Steven Merkel, Camp Atterbury 205th Infantry Brigade Commander.

"I feel like we're appreciated in everything we do," said Staff Sgt. Marlene Miller, 86th Infantry.

"I don't think they're missing anything," said Lt. Kelvin Muhammad, noting the turkey and ham dinner with all the fixings.

But of course, the troops are missing a lot in terms of family.

"I have four boys and my husband and my mother-in-law they're all back in Vermont today," said Staff Sgt. Miller.

"My wife and children, four daughters," said Lt. Muhammad.

The soldiers at Camp Atterbury are training for their upcoming mission in Afghanistan. They're part of the 86th Infantry Brigade out of Connecticut and Vermont. Some of them could not get over the Hoosier hospitality.

"This place is great. Everybody's friendly. They're working on Thanksgiving and they're so friendly they're like, 'oh, have a happy holiday' and I'm like, 'wow,'" said Miller.

Turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy - soldiers here say it may not be the homemade meal they're used to but it's more like a second home with a second family.

"Everybody understands each other and we have that good bond," said Lt. Muhammad.

They say they have a lot to be thankful for:

"A little taste of home."

"I'm most thankful for being from a very peaceful country."

"I'm really just thankful for having one more day."

This is just one way Indiana is thanking them.