Recruits from Great Lakes treated to games, dinner in Lake Zurich

Naval recruits moved forward in attack formation dodging little pink balls while firing at opposing members as they spent Thanksgiving playing Reball at Kits Sports Center in Lake Zurich.

New Life Lutheran Church in Lake Zurich hosted 22 recruits from Great Lakes Naval Station for the holiday, providing them with fun activities and a Thanksgiving feast.

"We do this every Thanksgiving as we participate in the Adopt-A-Sailor program," Pastor Andrew Bauer said. "The kids come from places across the country, and their parents can't come and be with them on Thanksgiving. We appreciate their service to our country and are happy to be hosting them on Thanksgiving Day."

During the morning hours, sailors moved from one obstacle to the next, firing at opposing team members with air rifles filled with rubber pellets.

Reball is a sport similar to paintball but uses a paintless ball. Games are held on an indoor soccer field with obstacles placed around for protection.

"It was really fun. It was my first time doing something like this," sailor Juan Hernandez of Concord, California, said after playing Reball. "I am really thankful for the church for doing this for us and making us occupied and not thinking about our family. It is kind of sad, but we are just out here having fun."

After finishing with the games, the sailors were taken to the church for dinner.

They also were provided with cellphones to call home and talk to their families during the afternoon before finishing the day bowling at the Brunswick Zone in Lake Zurich.