Service members aboard Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, were treated to a slice of home October 27, 2010, when Chicago-style pizzas were served up at the Camp dining facilities.
The non-profit organization Pizza 4 Patriots sent 1,000 pizzas to honor the service of the men and women of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier. The organization has sent more than 46,000 pizzas to U.S. military personnel overseas.
"Our service members are making a huge difference in promoting security and regional stability, providing humanitarian assistance and preventing conflict in areas you don't hear about on the evening news," said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Mark Evans, Pizza 4 Patriots founder.
Service members greatly appreciated the pizzas, provided by Romeoville, Illinois-base Great Kitchens.
"The pizza was very tasty and brought a good change-of-pace to our dining menu," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Melissa Kappenman, Communications Directorate administration noncommissioned officer in charge. "Thank you Pizza 4 Patriots for bringing a slice of home to Djibouti."
"As the commander of CJTF-HOA, I extend the task force's deep appreciation for this generous and thoughtful donation," said Rear Admiral Bryan Losey. "It's humbling to have Americans such as retired Master Sergeant Evans initiate a project such as this and we're please he's reaching out to the men and women in East Africa who do great work on behalf of U.S. Arica Command."