Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and togetherness — things that many of our military families sacrifice daily. As a retired Green Beret who served 12.5 years in the Army, I’ve spent countless holidays away from my own family. I know firsthand the long nights, deployments, and training exercises that take service members away from the people they love.

This is why giving back to the military community is not just a nice gesture — it’s a responsibility and a calling. Military families give so much to our country, often without recognition, and the least we can do is ensure they feel appreciated, supported, and remembered, especially during the holidays.

Why Giving Back to Military Families Matters

The military lifestyle is unique. It’s not just about serving your country — it’s about sacrifices that ripple across entire families. Children grow up with parents deployed or moving frequently, and service members face the mental and physical demands of a career that often keeps them away from home.

I’ve lived it. I’ve spent holidays on deployment, training, and missions, and I know how much it can impact a family. Even small acts of support — a hot meal, a kind word, or simply knowing someone cares — can bring relief, joy, and a sense of connection during times of separation.

That’s why every year, during Thanksgiving, my team and I at Torch & Trail Realty make it a point to give back to military families in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Raeford, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, and surrounding areas. This is something we are committing to do every year — ensuring military families feel supported, valued, and remembered during the holidays.

🦃 Thanksgiving Meal (Feeds 4–6)

This year, we’re providing full Thanksgiving meals to [number of families] military households. Each meal is carefully prepared to cover everything a family needs to enjoy a traditional holiday:

Main:

• Turkey 12–14 lbs + roasting pan

Sides:

• Stuffing mix x2 boxes
• Green Bean Casserole: green beans x3, cream of mushroom soup x1, fried onions x1
• Corn x3 cans
• Yams / sweet potatoes x2 cans
• Instant mashed potatoes x2 boxes (or ~2–3 lbs raw potatoes)
• Gravy mix x3 packets/cans
• Cranberry sauce x2 cans

Bread & Extras:

• Dinner rolls / biscuits x2 packs
• Coffee / cocoa packet x1

Drinks:

• Sparkling cider x1 bottle
• Juice boxes / Capri Sun x1 pack

Dessert:

• Pumpkin pie x1
• Apple pie x1
• Whipped cream x1 can

It’s not just about the food — it’s about creating a sense of normalcy, comfort, and joy. When a family receives a meal like this, they’re not just fed; they’re reminded that their sacrifices are seen, their efforts are appreciated, and their service is valued.

The Impact of Community Support

Over the years, I’ve watched how community support transforms lives. A single meal, delivered with care, can lighten the emotional load on a service member who is away, bring a smile to children missing a parent, or simply remind a family that they are not alone.

Giving back also strengthens the community itself. When we support military families, we reinforce the bond between service members, veterans, and civilians. We create a culture of gratitude, respect, and connection. These moments of giving — no matter the size — ripple outward, inspiring others to step up and serve in their own way.

For me personally, giving back has become a way to continue serving even after my time in uniform. It’s a different kind of mission, but the goal is the same: help others, strengthen the community, and honor the sacrifices that make our freedoms possible.

Other Ways to Support Military Families This Holiday Season

If you’d like to get involved beyond our Thanksgiving meals, there are many organizations making a tangible difference for military families:

• USO (United Service Organizations) – Provides support, resources, and holiday assistance to active-duty service members and their families. uso.org
• Operation Homefront – Offers holiday meal programs, emergency financial assistance, and community support. operationhomefront.org
• Fisher House Foundation – Helps military families stay close to loved ones during medical treatment and provides support during the holidays. fisherhouse.org
• Local food banks & military family resource centers – Many run holiday programs specifically for military households in Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Every effort counts. Donating, volunteering, or even sharing these resources can make a significant difference in the lives of families who give so much for our country.

A Personal Commitment

Every year, my team and I at Torch & Trail Realty are proud to honor military families in a tangible way — with meals, support, and gratitude. But it’s about more than a single day. It’s about cultivating a culture of support and ensuring that military families know they are never alone.

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: supporting veterans and their families isn’t just a part of my business — it’s part of my calling. I will continue donating to nonprofits that provide service dogs and sharing resources for veterans and active-duty military members. Because whether visible or hidden, the challenges our military families face deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our action.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate more than a meal. We celebrate community, service, and the incredible families who sacrifice so much for our country. Every military family deserves to feel remembered, appreciated, and celebrated — and that’s exactly what we intend to do, year after year, through Torch & Trail Realty.

Next Steps for Supporting Military Families and Exploring Fayetteville

Step 1: Give Back

• Donate or Volunteer — Contribute to organizations supporting military families this holiday season, like USO, Operation Homefront, or local food banks. Every little bit counts.
• Share Resources — If you know a military family who could use support, pass along this post or tag them so they can access meals, programs, and assistance.

Step 2: Stay Connected

• Follow Brycen Erdody & Torch & Trail Realty — We’re committing to make this an annual program, giving back to military families every Thanksgiving and beyond. Stay updated on how we’re supporting our local military community.
• Reach Out — If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or military family in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, or surrounding areas, contact us. We’re here to help with resources, guidance, and community support.

Step 3: Explore Relocation & Home Buying Resources

• Homes for Sale in Each City: Browse current listings and compare properties tailored to military buyers.
• Mortgage Calculator: Estimate monthly payments for VA, USDA, FHA, and conventional loans.
• Interactive City Map: Explore Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Raeford, and Sanford neighborhoods.

With your support, we can ensure military families know they are appreciated, remembered, and never alone — not just this Thanksgiving, but every year moving forward. And if you’re considering making Fayetteville your home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

With your support, we can ensure military families know they are appreciated, remembered, and never alone — not just this Thanksgiving, but every year moving forward. And if you’re considering making Fayetteville your home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Brycen Erdody, REALTOR®
“Your Path To Keys, Starts Here!”
Torch & Trail Realty
📲 (910) 366-3631
💻 yourpathtokeys.com
Lic #347279