Looking Back on 11 Years. I sit here and realize that the Task that I had taken on was not just a patriotic one but also an Honorable one.

   On Thanksgiving Day in 1996 an opportunity came before me, I had a choice Stay Home with the family and watch TV and relax or go to work.  Needless to say you can guess which one I chose.

   So my Thanksgiving Day and 10 Thanksgivings there after to me became the opportunity of a Lifetime.    A day that I normally spend sleeping late and relaxing, now I was up at 3:30 am.

Now lets move a little forward and backward and Bypass me...............

  Everyday, Every week, Every Month and Every year (excuse the pun) a ship load of Young Men and Women Migrate to the Midwest.  Leaving behind their Loved ones and the life they, as they know it.   The Minute These Young Adults step on these Grounds Their lives Change totally.

They are now New Recruits at Great Lakes Naval Training Base just outside Chicago.  For 9 weeks They Sleep, eat, Breath and are the NAVY.

What has this to do with me.............................

9 Years ago, the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Illinois, entered into a program called Adopt-A-Sailor This program let all the recruits that can not go home for the Holiday due to Distance, go out to a Local Family where they enjoy A full Thanksgiving Dinner, make Phone calls home and basically NOT be in the NAVY for a day. I was lucky enough to take on the job of the Bus Driver.

  Arriving on the base and seeing all the Young Men and Women that either in a day or two or a few weeks would be unselfishly protecting me and my loved ones.    Each one Well mannered, Uniforms Crisp and ready to be there when and where they are needed.

    I enjoy doing this year in and year out.   After 9-11-01 it is more of an Honor then a duty for me to help these Young Adults have an American tradition.

This Page is my Honor to them.  Being an Aunt to an Illinois Army National Guardsmen (who did his 8 months Tour in Afghanistan) just enhances that feeling even further.  Let's all show our support for these fine Young men and Woman who in the time of Need will be there to protect OUR Families and to ensure OUR Freedom.

  

 

 

Help Support our Young Men and Women
show your support for our Service Men and Women.  Sign the Below
Guest book with Encouragement or Praise