/mdva/assets/2026-07-08-mmr-djibouti_tcm1066-758782.pngFor Minnesota's deployed service members, a steak dinner delivered halfway around the world is more than a meal—it's a heartfelt reminder that the people back home are thinking of them and grateful for their service.

In May 2026, Minnesota-based Serving Our Troops traveled to the Africa Command Area of Operations in Djibouti to serve premium 12-ounce Mancini's Char House steaks to deployed Minnesota National Guard Airmen and other service members. The volunteer team transported the steaks from Minnesota and prepared them on-site, creating an unforgettable taste of home in a remote deployment environment.

The experience extended beyond having a delicious, home-cooked meal. While service members overseas enjoyed their steak dinner, many of their families gathered at Mancini's – the iconic restaurant on West Seventh Street in St. Paul – to share the very same meal. The simultaneous dinners created a unique connection between those serving abroad and their loved ones supporting them from home.

This event takes months of planning and preparation. Volunteers travel with the steaks from Minnesota to the deployed location, coordinating every step of the journey to make certain the food arrives safely, remains properly handled and is ready to grill when the team reaches the military installation. This ensures every service member receives a fresh, high-quality meal.

The mission to serve a home-cooked meal to deployed troops began in 2004, when a group of friends who also happen to be military and civic leaders were enjoying steaks and cold beers at Mancini’s one evening. They wondered how they could share the same delicious meal with deployed troops. Now, more than two decades and 17 missions later, and led by Supporting Our Troops, more than 150,000 steak meals have been served to Minnesota’s service members and their families.

The meal delivery is also made possible through partnerships with Minnesota businesses including Delta Air Lines, the St. Paul Port Authority and many dedicated community volunteers.

Highlights of the event were captured through interviews with Doug Wortham, radio show host of Minnesota Military Radio, a Veteran and the Deputy Director of Veterans Benefits at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

"The number of service members that came up and thanked us for being there is probably the most impactful thing because of the gratitude and the appreciation of this taste of home," Doug said. "We respond by simply saying, 'We're here to thank you.'"

Beyond the steaks, the evening provides our troops with an opportunity for camaraderie, conversation and encouragement while serving far from home. The mission sends a powerful message that Minnesota stands behind its military members and their families wherever duty calls.

Listen to the highlights on Minnesota Military Radio.

To volunteer or support future missions, visit ServingOurTroops.com.