Chicago area volunteers provide Christmas cheer for Navy recruits away from home

CHICAGO - Since 2011, Christmas Day has been made extra special for recruits who are going through basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes.

At a time when the naval recruits are away from their normal Christmas traditions, Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights makes sure the day feels almost as good as home.

This year, 45 future sailors were welcomed by volunteers who formed a flag line outside of CLA.

The day included a full dinner and unlimited treats, and they were handed a free phone to make calls home all day. Video games and TV, which are not allowed on base, were allowed for the recruits on Christmas Day.

Fox 32’s Gabriella Premus spoke with the organizer, who wouldn’t spend his Christmas any other way.

"I don't think a day goes by where I'm not thinking about my son. but I'm grateful for his service, and I know he'd be proud of what's going on here today," said Bob Stack. 

Tim Lorman served in the Air Force. He’s one of many veterans who volunteer and enjoy Christmas with the future sailors:

"It's a blessing to be a blessing. These kids are so far away from home that they might as well be on the moon, and they are usually pretty depressed when they wake up Christmas morning and with conjunction with Christian Liberty Academy, we get to give them a Christmas day," said Lorman.

Lorman added the naval recruits all react differently. Some are more emotional than others. Either way, he knows the men and women appreciate it.

"This is actually really helpful seeing a lot of people outside and just our shipmates and bringing in love for us. Even away from our families, you guys are away from your families and still showing us love and I'm very grateful for it, said naval recruit Shakyia Gilmore.

Overall, organizers want us to spend the holiday enjoying those here with us and appreciating the brave men and women serving us.