Topeka ? “Nearly 2,000 Kansans are serving us bravely and proudly in the Middle East this Thanksgiving,” Sebelius said in a statement. “Since they can’t be home for the holiday, the least we can do is come to them and let them know they are always in our thoughts and prayers.”

Sebelius dined with soldiers from the 891st Engineering Unit at the first meal, and with Kansans from several other active units at a second meal.

Sebelius’ visit to Kuwait also included meetings with the Kuwaiti foreign minister.