Turkey dinners for soldiers

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The hustle and bustle of the airport on Thanksgiving often makes it hard for travelers to relax and enjoy the holiday. But it always gives you a new perspective when you see a United States soldier flying somewhere on Thanksgiving Day.

The USO at Charlotte-Douglas is making things feel a little more like home.

"They have turkey with gravy on it, green beans, sweet potatos, pie, a lot of things you'd expect at a regular Thanksgiving dinner," says Army private David Bertke.

That's the goal of volunteers serving turkey dinner to U.S. soldiers passing through the airport Thanksgiving Day.

"I don't think nothing's as good as moms'," says Army private Brett Rodrigue but both agree the home-like setting of recliners, TVs, and fellow soldiers to eat with, calms their nerves when they need it most.

Rodrigue is flying home to New Orleans for the weekend. "My wife's gonna have a baby in the morning so I get to be home for my daughter's birth," he says.

Both privates will soon call North Caroliona home. "I'm gonna be stationed at the 82nd Airborne Division," says Bertke.

"I'll be stationed at Fort Bragg and January first is my report date," says Rodrigue. He adds, "I'm a big fan of the Carolina Panthers."

And volunteer Nedson Crawford hopes he'll see them often. "I volunteer twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays," says Crawford.

After 49 years with the U.S. Airforce, Crawford now scopes the crowd for service men and women who may not know, where this airport retreat is tucked away.

"They just get a big grin on their face when you say 'come have turkey dinner with us'," says Crawford.