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Thunderbolt NEWS Dec. 11, 2015
http://www.luke.af.mil
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Shoppers support service
Chaplain’s thoughts ...
members with gift cards
The blending of family holiday traditions But Lutefisk is not just food; it is a way of life.
Luke Air Force Base Exchange shoppers can send a little The very mention of it evokes sentimentality and
holiday cheer to military service members this year by pur- It’s the holiday season, and many newlyweds are nostalgia into the hearts of my in-laws.
chasing an Exchange gift card. discovering the harsh reality that not everyone
celebrates the same way. A few years back I expe- I quickly discerned that this meal was the key,
Service members can use Exchange gift cards to purchase rienced this in my life. I was an incredibly happy the portal, to acceptance into my wife’s family.
snacks, electronics, books, clothing or even jewelry at any newlywed about to enter into my first Christmas Yes! Eating Lutefisk and strategically timing my
Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps exchange. season with my beautiful bride. I thought it would request for “more Lutefisk,” so that my mother-in-
be glorious … I thought it would be just like my law would hear my request, was the trick. In one
“Purchasing an Exchange gift card for a service member is family’s celebration … it wasn’t. instant, with my request, I clinched my standing
a great way to remind our military they are valued by those with the family. I sealed the deal. I was in the
they serve to protect,” said Aileen Rivenburg, Exchange gen- I quickly discovered that I had married into a family. I had earned my mother-in-law’s undying
eral manager. “It only takes a minute, and while it’s a small family with rituals and traditions that were stead- affection. I was part of the tribe, heck, I was three
token of appreciation, rest assured it makes a big impact for fast. These traditions, passed down from generation quarters Norwegian by marriage. It was glorious!
those who work to protect American freedoms.” to generation, were observed with great devotion Thirty-one Christmases later, with God’s help, it’s
and exuberance. One such tradition was the eating still glorious.
While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Ex- of Lutefisk, a traditional Norwegian dish. Being
change gift cards, anyone can send one by simply calling 800- from North Carolina I had never seen nor heard of Newlyweds, as you blend your family holiday
527-2345 or visiting www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking this particular dish … I was about to be educated. traditions together to make your own, please
“Purchase Gift and Phone Cards” at the bottom of the page. remember that “holiday” is the blending of the
I learned that Lutefisk is a freeze-dried then words “holy” and “day.” So whether you celebrate
From there, Exchange gift cards, ranging in value from reconstituted fish which is the centerpiece of the Christmas, Hanukkah or some other holy day, I
$10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Larson family’s Christmas Eve menu. Preparing invite you to remember the deep religious and
Sailor or Marine or sent to “any service member” through this meal takes skill, if done well, it almost re- spiritual foundations of your observances.
the Fisher House Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Warrior sembles fish. If not, it resembles Jell-O that hasn’t
and Family Support Center or Navy-Marine Corps Relief quite “set.” May your hearts and homes be strengthened as
Society. The gift cards can be redeemed at Exchanges in all you celebrate and exercise your faith this holiday
50 states and more than 30 countries. eGift cards can also be At my in-laws, Lutefisk is mercifully served with season.
purchased and emailed directly to an authorized recipient for boiled potatoes, drawn butter and a yummy white
online redemption at www.shopmyexchange.com. sauce. The final complement to the dish is a shower Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
of salt and pepper — the pepper is especially nice
Courtesy of Army & Air Force Exchange Service as it adds color to the dish. Courtesy of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Larry Fowler
56th Fighter Wing Chapel
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