Dec. 25—Airman First Class Aaron Frank said it felt “a little weird” being away from family during the holidays, eating alone on Christmas Day at the Thunderbird Inn Military Dining Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base.
But Frank knows sacrificing those days of gathering for many families and friends across the country comes with the job as an active-duty service member, a role he coveted since childhood.
“I never imagined myself doing anything else,” said Frank, an 18-year-old from Iowa who landed at KAFB last week. “This whole year has been strange for me, being away from family for the first time, especially around the holidays. … But it’s not the worst-case scenario.”
Frank was one of dozens of junior enlisted airmen, retirees and their families gifted a holiday meal this Christmas, served by the base’s installation commander and leadership from the 58th Special Operations and 150th Special Operations Wings.
A Kirtland spokesperson wasn’t sure how long base personnel had put on the Christmas lunch but said it has become an annual tradition that has cultivated a sense of community. On Wednesday, military personnel ate ham, turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes and a variety of pies.
They were also serenaded by local entertainer Robert Burns, who sang his version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other Christmas-themed songs.
The Kirtland dining hall wasn’t the only site that served as a gathering place on Christmas. A short drive away at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, seniors congregated for a lunch hosted by the city of Albuquerque.
Like the junior airman at KAFB, seniors eating lunch at the center were able to get in the holiday mood with music from a local mariachi band and food that included roast beef, mashed potatoes and posole served by workers and volunteers associated with the city’s Department of Senior Affairs.
Richard and Arlys Dove of Albuquerque talked over their meal about joining the center as members a year ago.
Richard also reminisced about his time in the Vietnam War, where he served as a sniper in the Army, and his job as a driver for North American Van Lines, driving through the crowded cities of California.
That struck a response from Raj Pal Singh, a retired postal worker, who called Albuquerque “the perfect size” city to live in.
“I chose (Albuquerque) because of the weather — weather and the right size,” said Singh. “This is one of the best places.”
Singh was also appreciative of Albuquerque’s senior centers, saying he goes often to the centers around town to take part in activities like reading and special events.
“I don’t know what old people would do without senior centers,” he joked.
Back at the base, Airman First Class Connor Kehoe weighed going back in the food line for a serving of prime rib, shortly after clearing a plate of turkey and ham.
Later that evening, the 19-year-old planned to FaceTime his family back home in Oregon and watch the Christmas movie “Die Hard,” featuring Bruce Willis.
“Might do the series,” he said.