Desiree Carver | The Valdosta Daily TimesMama June O'Neal sits in the front lobby of her namesake restaurant Thanksgiving Day surrounded by employees. 

VALDOSTA – Mama June’s opened its doors to active military and law enforcement Thanksgiving Day to give them a free family meal.

Pat O’Neal, owner of Mama June’s, said he felt this was a way to give back to those who serve.

O’Neal’s restaurant has no shortage of family as memorabilia from his family hangs in the lobby. Mama June herself sat at the front doors to greet those who entered.

“My mama (June) has been in Valdosta her whole life and she’s always cooked for all of us,” O’Neal said.

Mama June’s, which is open to the public on Thanksgiving, closed at 4 p.m. to allow two hours for only those in service and their families to eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“You’ve got to give back to your community,” O’Neal said. “We want to try to make this an annual thing.”

 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.