COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nine dining facilities across Fort Jackson transformed Wednesday as the Army’s largest basic training post served a massive Thanksgiving meal to thousands of soldiers, trainees and families. The tradition is intended to bring a taste of home to those spending the holiday away for the first time.

The installation served about 12,000 people, preparing large quantities of holiday staples, including 3,300 pounds of turkey, 2,832 pounds of steamship round, 2,420 pounds of ham, 600 pounds of salmon, and 740 pounds of shrimp.

For many trainees, the holiday marks their first Thanksgiving apart from loved ones.

“This is my first Thanksgiving away from home,” said Pfc. Ayush Myneni. “I’m missing my friends and family a little bit, but to come...and see everyone here, seeing how a

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