Portales resident thankful for second chance

Amidst the loud chatter and the aroma of turkey and stuffing, Paul Mefford sat grateful with a smile you could spot from a mile away.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Mikayla Ferrell, left, and Kambrilyn Eppinger color Thanksgiving pictures at the Portales Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Ferrell and Eppinger are both part of military families and they volunteered to serve others a Thanksgiving meal because they feel it's important to give back to the community.

Mefford wasn't just grateful he was enjoying a free Thanksgiving meal at the Portales Community Thanksgiving dinner, he said he's grateful to be living.

"I thank the Lord that I am alive," said Mefford as he took a bite into his stuffing in the annual event at the Memorial Building. "I got a chance to start all over again.

Mefford said he suffered traumatic brain injuries after being attacked while attempting to protect his daughter several years ago.

He recently just moved here from Santa Rosa and he said he was grateful to find a place to eat. Now he's attempting to live his life independently from caregivers.

"It's like being an infant at 48," he said. "The Lord works in mysterious ways."

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

Tony West, right, corner, enjoys a Thanksgiving meal with his children and future mother-in-law. West traveled 1,600 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to be with his family.

Mefford wasn't the only person thankful to have a hot meal, Tony West of Columbus, Ohio, traveled 1,600 miles to be with his children.

He said his children were excited to share a meal at the Memorial Building and that eating there was better than going to any restaurant.

"It means the world to me to get to be here with them," West said. "I am the happiest man on Earth. I missed my kids and I love them dearly."

Many others came and ate and were grateful to receive a meal on Thanksgiving, while others were thankful for the opportunity to serve the community.

Servicemen and women from Cannon Air Force Base dressed up in a different uniform Thursday, wearing plastic gloves to serve hot food to those in need.

Even though they give their all serving this country, they thought they'd give a little bit more this Thanksgiving.

"I wasn't going home for Thanksgiving so I decided to come down and help out," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Rogers. "I am always smiling so I thought I'd help someone else out and hopefully get a smile in return."

Rogers, originally from Tennessee, said his favorite Thanksgiving foods are turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes.

Christina Calloway: Portales News-Tribune

From left, Jonathan Rogers and Jacob Swenson, airmen from Cannon Air Force Base prepare to-go boxes for those who weren't able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at the Memorial Building. About 25 members of Cannon volunteered to serve Thanksgiving meals Thursday.

Jacob Swenson, a senior airman from Park Rapids, Minn., said he saw serving as an opportunity to connect with the community.

"They allow the military to live here and they're so welcoming to us," Swenson said.

Cannon officials made sure they spread the spirit of giving throughout the area as other volunteered to serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Lighthouse Mission in Clovis.

Master Sgt. Conan Mauro stirred green beans and mashed potatoes, but he said he'd do anything to help give others a happy Thanksgiving.

"Taking care of those who are less fortunate is more important than giving to ourselves," Mauro said.

Mauro, a native of New York City, said he's appreciative the community has been so supportive of the base.

"We enjoy being here," Mauro said. "This community has been here for us so I like to give back to them."

Senior Airman Franchisca Thompson said she loves to volunteer.

"I volunteered here before so I though I'd come back and help out," she said. "It makes me feel good."