GREAT LAKES SAILORS ENJOY THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST AT PALATINE AMERICAN LEGION
The American Legion Family of Post No. 690 in Palatine hosted thirty-three sailors from Great Lakes Naval Training Center for Thanksgiving Day Dinner and activities. For many of them, this Thanksgiving was the first holiday away from home, family and friends.
“The annual Adopt-A-Sailor program was an overwhelming success” said Jeff Van Horn, event co-chair, “The Palatine community helped make this a special day for these recruits who are about to finish basic training”
Motor coaches were donated by the Salt Creek Park District to transport the sailors to their first stop at Brunswick Zone in Lake Zurich for unlimited bowling and video games courtesy of the Lions Club of Long Grove.
The American Legion Post volunteers then welcomed the sailors for an afternoon of food, fun and thanks. Many Post and community members stopped by throughout the day to thank the sailors and wish them well in their future endeavors.
The sailors were given a full Thanksgiving meal complete with Turkey and all the trimmings. Cindy Altenbach, event co-chair explained, “The entire meal was donated by local businesses and volunteers or paid for with monetary donations. This is our way of saying “Thank you for your Service to our Country.”
AT&T provided cell phones the sailors used to call or text their family and friends anywhere in the U.S. Several volunteers donated computers for email, Skype, and Facebook updates. This was many of the recruits first contact with loved ones since entering basic training seven weeks ago.
Other donations were made by Global MRO Products Corp., JJ Twigs, Smalley Steel Ring Company, Donkey Inn, ElizEvents, Palatine Chamber of Commerce, Palatine Bank & Trust, State Farm Insurance, Henning Bros., Liquid Capital of Illinois, Canine Companions for Independence and John & Scott’s Automotive.
For more information about The American Legion Post 690 Family and future events, or if you are interested in joining, please visit our web site at www.alpost690.org.