One difference between the new and original proposal is the ability for soldiers to reach backward and forward across 72 hours to use meal entitlements.

Fort Hood dining halls held their annual Thanksgiving-themed competition Tuesday, offering soldiers creative displays and holiday meals, giving those who can’t travel home a place to celebrate.

The preparations started weeks in advance, with long hours of planning and creating masterpieces in cake and ice. The cooking began Saturday morning, preparing the meats they would cook for Tuesday, ...