Albert Davis and his wife Barbara of La Porte, Indiana, formally of Largo, Florida,  have been baking Banana Nut Bread for the service men and women stationed at Mac Dill Air Force Base, and those overseas since Operation Desert Storm.

   When Desert Storm started, the Davis's made arrangements with the commanding officer of the 6th Medical Group and the Medical Supply Sergeant to deliver the bread to the hospital to be included with the shipments of medical supplies to those stationed in Saudi Arabia.  The Davis's have developed an old family recipe, adding additional bananas and nuts for increased potassium and protein, which is scarce in that area.

   Mr. Davis served over 26 years with the Navy Corps of Engineers (Seabees),  serving in combat in World War II, Korea, and two tours in Viet Nam. So Mr. Davis is well familiar with how it feels to receive "goodie packages" from home.  When the bread is baked, wrapped, quick frozen, and boxed for shipment, by the time it thaws out, it is at its destination, completely fresh and ready to eat.  Mr. Davis has been dubbed "The Banana Bread Man" throughout the base.  Many cards and letters of thanks were sent to the Davis's, from those that were on the receiving end in Saudi.

   Since Desert Storm, the Davis's have once again gotten permission from the new commanding officer and made arrangements to continue distributing their bread.  February, 25, 2002, they presented General Tommy Franks with some of their bread and that's when he found out how long they have been doing this.  That day before a news briefing on  Operation Enduring Freedom, he thanked them on national television.  That afternoon they received a call from Good Morning America, to come on their show.  Because of General Frank's acknowledgments, and the effects of September 11, 2001, they have received  many letters from local and county officials, they have received the Governor's Points of Light Award from Jeb Bush, and not only received a letter from President George W. Bush but were finally able to meet him in person on March 26, 2003.

   Recently, In March of 2007 the Davis's moved from Florida to La Porte, Indiana to be closer to family and are still baking bread for the men and women engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and have baked over 101,000 loaves to date and counting.  When asked why they do it, Al simply responded, "I've been there.  I know what it's like wondering if anyone knows I'm here or even cares.  A little taste of home and the knowledge that someone does care, makes being there all worth while."

Contact Information

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General Information: Info@BananaBreadForTheTroops.org

Webmaster: Bill@BananaBreadForTheTroops.org

We would like to give a special thanks to those who have helped us with our endeavor:

 Thanks so very much!