SAN ANTONIO — A drizzly Thanksgiving morning accompanied U.S. Army veteran Jason Opalinski and his crew as they hit the streets of San Antonio, sparking smiles and comfort to those less fortunate.
“When I was in the military, no matter where I went, where I was stationed, there’s always someone who’s in need,” Opalinski said.
Opalinski joined the Army shortly before the September 11 terrorist attacks. He served four years, having spent several months in war-torn Iraq. The Chicago native eventually landed in Military City U.S.A. where he continues to advocate for PTSD mental health recognition and sensitivity training.
Opalinski is a husband and father whose desire to help others drove him to prepare 100 turkey sandwiches for the homeless community and others in need for the second year in a row.
Alongside family and friends, Opalinski dedicated more than three hours on Thanksgiving Eve preparing care packages, which included turkey sandwiches, chips, cranberry cups and a host of other supplies like bandages, socks and mittens.
Opalinski and his team traveled across San Antonio’s north side, giving out the entire supply of Thanksgiving food. They also had a couple tarps setup at I-410 and Perrin Beitel
“Humanity is something that should not ever be taken for granted and it can easily be lost,” Opalinski said. “Knowing that you are providing something that’s given a smile on their face. It’s the most amazing feeling that you could ever have.”
Mely Vela, a mother of three, was wrapping up a grocery delivery with the hopes of making some extra cash to buy some food for Thanksgiving dinner. She then spotted the bright green sign promoting the free Thanksgiving meals.
“It’s a total God send. It’s hope, it’s a glimpse, it’s a rainbow, despite the rain, it’s beautiful,” Vela said.
Opalinski hopes to serve at least 200 Thanksgiving care packages next year.