The 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the National Guard celebrates its 20th  “Christmas at Our House” dinner on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Backed by a battle plan to feed a multitude, the free annual dinner offers turkey and ham with all trimmings as a thank-you to the community for providing major support to its military sector. Diners may show up anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Each year, organizers open the door to guests from all walks of life for the festive event at the Kalispell Armed Forces Reserve Center at 2989 U.S. 93 North.

“This is our way of giving back to the community that gives so much to us every day,” Lt. Col. Mark Boettcher said.

Boettcher provides leadership for the dinner that employs some Guard members working alongside an army of civilian volunteers who enjoy taking part in what has become a holiday tradition.

“We’re excited and proud to be hosting this event again this year,” he said. “However, it wouldn’t be possible without the numerous donations from supporters in the Kalispell area.”

Public Affairs Specialist Dan Bushnell said the Guard invited Santa and he has promised to come by from 1 to 4 p.m.

“He’ll have small gifts for the kids,” Bushnell said.

A decorated tree and music add to the cheer, making the community gathering a kickoff to the Christmas season for many. At one time, many cities around the state had similar events.

“It’s something that started many years ago,” Bushnell said. “As a kid, I remember doing this in Helena.”

The Flathead Valley event is the only remaining “Dinner at Our House” celebration. Bushnell said it continues because Flathead organizations and businesses give money, time and food to sustain the tradition.

Anyone interesting in donating should contact Boettcher at 758-3101 or 465-2216.

Last year the Guard fed about 1,500 people.

The dinner included ham, turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes with the usual trimmings along with a special favorite salad of cucumbers and onions in vinegar prepared every year by a local resident.

The classic menu continues for this landmark year.

“This is the 20th anniversary,” Bushnell said. “That’s pretty significant.”

The Guard hopes to top 2008 by attracting 500 more people. To meet that goal, organizers have bumped up media outreach and expanded free bus transportation to include Whitefish and Columbia Falls through Eagle Transit and Special Friends Advocacy Program.

Call 758-2428 for pickup times and locations.

Denise Nalty, who with her husband, Shannon, organizes volunteers, said many seniors enjoy coming to the dinner. She said they make sure all the retirement homes get notified and invited.

“For a lot of seniors, this may be their only outing all Christmas,” she said.

Nalty has worked on the last eight dinners. She said volunteers happily serve, chauffeur guests and cleanup afterward.

People who want to volunteer at the dinner should just show up. Nalty said she would put them to work some place.

She wanted to make certain that people don’t stay home because they don’t understand that the free dinner is a thank-you rather than a charitable event.

“The big thing we want to stress is this is a free community dinner for everyone,” she said. “It’s the Guard’s way of giving back.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.