Recruits from Naval Station Great Lakes enjoy Christmas cheer in Arlington Heights
On a warm Christmas Day, about 50 recruits from Naval Station Great Lakes received the warmest of welcomes at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights.
They arrived in a school bus escorted by the Warriors’ Watch Riders and, as they climbed the steps to the entrance, were flanked by cheering, flag-waving supporters.
The annual celebration was held at the academy and was once again hosted by Christian Liberty Academy science teacher Bob Stack and his wife, Linda, whose son, Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack, was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 10, 2010.
“This is our 11th year,” Bob Stack said. “We lost two years because of COVID.
“We count it an honor to do this,” said Stack, who said he is reminded of his son when he is with the sailors. He said his son’s 14-year-old daughter Mikayla attends school at Christian Liberty.
It was a welcome change for the group after several weeks of boot camp. They were served coffee and pastries from Bravo Bakery in Mount Prospect and gathered in the gym, where Bob Stack gave an inspiring message about salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Later, they were served two meals prior to returning to Great Lakes. But most importantly, they were provided cell phones, which allowed them to talk to family members and girlfriends.
“They are sequestered. Think about 18-, 19-year-olds with no internet, no cell phones, no TV. And they do that because they’re trying to get them used to being on a ship,” said Greg Padovani, the chairman of Arlington Heights’ Veterans Memorial Committee.
Garrett Goffman, 23, who hails from Southern California, enjoyed FaceTime with his mom.
“She was definitely excited,” he said. “We’ve had some phone calls, but no ability to FaceTime or video call.”
During the ceremony in the gym, recruit Nicholas Menza had a chance to show off his musical talents, leading the recruits in a chorus of “Anchors Aweigh.”
Menza, 27, from Florida, who is going to be a fireman in the Navy specializing in nuclear propulsion and engineering, received his degree in music from Stetson University in Deland, Florida. But, he said, “It has actually always been a dream of mine to be serving in the military.”
He said he felt welcomed on Monday, adding, “I can call this a home away from home, because the community and the fellowship here is just tremendous.”
Sebastian Starr, a 20-year-old seaman recruit from Canton, Ohio, said the group is starting its eighth week of boot camp and he would normally be spending Christmas Day with his family. It is usually his job to make sure his sister doesn’t “roll out of bed early and catch Santa Claus in the act.” He would sleep outside her door and, after he woke up, he would “take all of our shoes and throw them down the stairs at mom and dad’s door and wait until they wake up. And if they don’t wake up, it’s my job to call them and say, ‘Is Santa coming?’ ”