Mo and Angie Aliabadi know how to thank Soldiers and their families. "We benefit from the presence of and sacrifices these men and women (make)," Aliabadi said as he sat in his immaculate office at South Tacoma Auto. "They serve us every day, and we would like to serve them tonight."
Owned by the Aliabadis, South Tacoma Auto served for the second year as the site for a Family Feast for Military Families on Dec. 15.
The meal coincided with the last day of America's military involvement in Iraq. "This is great; this is good," Angie Aliabadi said as she sat next to her husband. "The day the war ends in Iraq is the day we should be thanking these brave men and women."
A festive atmosphere greeted the more than 350 Servicemembers and dependents as they walked in the front doors. The dinner tables were draped in red and white tablecloths, holiday balloons floated everywhere and holiday music filled the air. Santa Claus sat and listened to the children's wish lists.
Dealership employees served as valets, doorpersons and escorts.
A catered dinner awaited all who attended. Raffle tickets (at no cost) were provided, and someone walked out the door with a $1,000 check.
Despite the preparations, several individuals said the dealership hosted the dinner only to boost its business profile. "The underground at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is saying that this is only about their business," Teresa LeClear said.
The vast majority of individuals attending, however, thought otherwise.
"Everything the dealership has done makes us feel very appreciated," Kimberly Danley said as she sat next to her husband, Spc. Ryne Danley, 55th Air Defense Artillery. "We sacrifice, and it's good to have a night where they saw fit to serve dinner to us. They've done a magnificent job."
At a nearby table, Lizbeth Rodriquez nodded her head in agreement as she sat next to her husband, Staff Sgt. Abel Rodriquez, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. "Few outside the military understand what we face, and it feels good to be welcomed," she said.
Throughout the evening, Angie Aliabadi made her way around the tables, wishing military families a happy holidays. "It is nice to be thought of. These Soldiers and their families should be remembered," she said. "And that is all we're doing tonight."
The event was also sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union and The Ranger and NW Airlifter newspapers.
Comments for "Local dealership hosts holiday meal for JBLM military and families" (3)
Weekly Volcano is not responsible for the content of these comments. Weekly Volcano reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
Alex said on Dec. 28, 2011 at 12:51pm
What a nice thing to Do !..... It is refreshing to see a local business give back to our community specially Military. Thanks South Tacoma Auto !
AMG.
Sandra Hughes said on Jan. 03, 2012 at 8:03am
Angie Aliabadi is my sister and Mo, my brother-in-law. Angie and I are Army brats, having grown up with our father in the military and living on many bases around the world. He served two tours in Vietnam. I can personally attest to the fact that Angie and Mo care deeply about our military on a very personal level and have been more than happy to serve the military community to the best of their abilities. Honoring our veterans and active military is something the owners and staff of South Tacoma Auto are committed to on a heartfelt, personal level.
michele carroll said on Jan. 03, 2012 at 12:48pm
having grown up in the military as a "brat" and also serving my country some 30years ago my family is all to familiar with the toll the service can place on their personnel and their families the demands are great and sacrifices often come at a great cost to all my father spent his time in Vietnam and lived with the PTSD until his last breath,families are uprooted and all to often one becomes a single parent.I still remember the disgust my father had to face upon his return from Nam.even tho i do not agree with the governments decision to send this country into a war.i do highly honor these brave people who willingly put their life on the the line for millions of nameless people.
Leave A Comment
Respond on Your Blog
Create an Account
or
Login
If you have a Weekly Volcano Account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own Weekly Volcano Blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.