Full Breakdown
Vice President JD Vance Celebrates Thanksgiving with Troops at Fort Campbell
11/27/2025, 1:42:46 PM
Overview of the Event
On November 22, 2023, Vice President JD Vance visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to celebrate Thanksgiving with service members stationed at the military installation. This visit is part of a longstanding tradition where senior government officials spend the holiday with military personnel. Vance, accompanied by musician Kid Rock, served Thanksgiving meals to approximately 30,000 active duty personnel at the base, which is home to the 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and 5th Special Forces Group.
Key Remarks and Themes
During his address to the troops, Vance emphasized the importance of gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. He stated, “Here’s the thing about Thanksgiving because at the heart of it, is the spirit of gratitude.” He expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members, saying, “You guys make this a Happy Thanksgiving for me because every single day you show up to work, you put on that uniform and make your nation proud.”
Vance also addressed the recent shooting incident near the White House that injured two National Guard members, urging attendees to pray for their recovery. He remarked, “I want everybody who's a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen that they're able to spend Thanksgiving with their families instead of losing their lives.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Vance's visit was largely well-received, some critics have raised concerns regarding the political implications of such appearances. They argue that these events can be seen as attempts to garner support among military families and veterans, especially in light of Vance's political ambitions. Additionally, some have questioned the effectiveness of such gestures in addressing the real issues faced by service members and their families.
Official Statements & Responses
Vance's visit was framed as a gesture of support for the military community. He stated, “If we ask our soldiers to risk their lives to defend their country, what I promise you is that we’re only going to do it with a clear mission and clear guidelines.” This statement reflects a commitment to ensuring that military engagements are undertaken with defined objectives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You guys make this a Happy Thanksgiving for me because every single day you show up to work, you put on that uniform and make your nation proud,” — JD Vance, Vice President
- “Here's the thing about Thanksgiving because at the heart of it, is the spirit of gratitude,” — JD Vance, Vice President
- “And, first of all, I want everybody who's a person of faith to say a prayer for those two national Guardsmen that they're able to spend Thanksgiving with their families instead of losing their lives, because I understand they're still in pretty tough condition,” — JD Vance, Vice President
- “Thank you tremendously for your service, especially those who can't spend it with their loves ones this year,” — Kid Rock, Musician
Conclusion
Vice President JD Vance's Thanksgiving visit to Fort Campbell underscores the ongoing tradition of honoring military personnel during the holiday season. His remarks highlighted themes of gratitude and commitment to the armed forces, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by service members and their families.
