Families can no longer 'adopt a sailor'

Guys like Marty Naughton are more important than ever this Thanksgiving.

Naughton is the commander of Arlington Heights Legion Post 208. The post will take in more than 50 sailors on Thursday and supply them with a good meal, phone cards to call home, televised football and even video games.

"It's our way of supporting the troops," Naughton said.

Naval Service Recruit Command at the Great Lakes Naval Station adopted a new policy restricting sailors from spending the day at area homes for Thanksgiving, said Great Lakes spokesman Todd Willebrand.

"We can't send out sailors to stay with just anyone and we don't have the manpower or time to conduct background checks on everyone," Willebrand said "It was becoming a logistical nightmare."

Instead the sailors will only travel to legion halls, Veterans of Foreign War posts, churches and other civic organizations, Willebrand

He has heard from some upset families who will miss the sailors this Thanksgiving, but he also said that most people understand the rule change.

"Their main concern is that the sailors have a place to go, and they do," Willebrand said. "I appreciate their concern."

Most of the 1,500 sailors who sign up for the program will be bused out to churches and legion posts within 50 miles of the base. And there will be plenty of food available at the base for the 3,500 sailors who choose to stay.

At the Arlington Heights Legion post, the sailors will be present from about 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.