On Christmas Day, a group of U.S. Navy recruits took a field trip like no other. The 45 young men and women boarded a bus from naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, not knowing a holiday celebration awaited them in Arlington Heights.
They were greeted with applause, a warm welcome and gratitude by hearty volunteers at Christian Liberty Academy, who made the sailors from all over the country feel at home for the holidays in Illinois.
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“Most of these guys have never been away from home so it’s a big step and we just hope it’s a great day for them,” said Bob Stack, teacher and Navy Recruits Christmas organizer.
Sailors got to enjoy a home-cooked meal, TV and video games, all of which are prohibited on base. They also got one very special surprise: The chance to call home. Recruits can go weeks before speaking with loved ones, but that changed for Christmas.
“She was like is that you? I said yes it’s me! Laughs,” said recruit Jazmine Gonzalez, who is from Reno, Nevada.