More than 660 recruits at Recruit Training Command were especially thankful on Thanksgiving as they were able to spend the holiday off base during the annual Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Sailor program Nov. 24.

The program offers families of recruits in boot camp the opportunity to spend the day with their recruits. This year, just over 125 recruits' families took advantage of the chance to enjoy Thanksgiving together.

The recruits whose families were unable to visit for the day were adopted by local civic organizations. In all, 23 organizations adopted more than 500 recruits from the command.

"Adopt-A-Sailor is a tremendous program for Recruit Training Command," said Capt. Michael Garrick, commanding officer, RTC. "Basic training is always challenging, but it can be even more difficult during the holidays. We are extremely grateful to the families and organizations that support our recruits by giving them a moment to pause and share in some fellowship at this time of the year."

The majority of the organizations and volunteers have continually supported the program over the years by providing a day of food, movies, video games, music, and most popular of all, phone calls home.

The program tends to bring an organization's community together as hundreds of volunteers spend months planning the event and raising the necessary funds to feed the recruits.

Some members of the Wauconda Moose Lodge 1969, who have participated in the program for 18 years, were moved to tears by the honorable actions of the 15 recruits they hosted.

Don Kutinac, program coordinator, said he was contacted by a member of the community to ask if he could bring his 93-year-old father, a Navy veteran who served in World War II, to meet the recruits. The lodge obliged.

"Before the gentlemen arrived, we instructed the recruits to stand and salute the veteran when he would be introduced to the crowd. One recruit stated, 'Sir, that is the very least we can do for this man,'" said Kutinac. "When the veteran arrived, all the recruits not only stood and saluted, they then -- without being told -- all formed a single line so they could each shake his hand. When he started crying, I started crying; it was that emotional to watch them. I couldn't have asked for a better group of men than them. They were the most exceptional group of recruits we've ever had."

Families who were able to make the trip or who live in the area were grateful to spend the day with their recruits, as was James Slonoff of nearby Hinsdale who picked up his son, Matthew.

"It was an unexpected gift that touched all of us during the day, and especially as we gathered at the table that evening for dinner," said Slonoff. "In addition to many other blessings, he and his fellow recruits were on the top of everyone's list that night as we toasted the day. We have known for a long time now that our son would be serving our country, and we have always been proud of his decision. What we didnt anticipate, and what we realize will be with us throughout his service, is the unknown. Having the experience of the Adopt-A-Sailor for Thanksgiving was a window into his new world and helped alleviate some of the anxiety that his chosen career brings with it."

Many organizations have continued this tradition with the help of hundreds of volunteers and fundraising efforts throughout the year to make the program a success.

"The recruits all had a great time using computers, cell phones to call home, watching football games, enjoying breakfast items, Thanksgiving dinner, and sandwiches before returning to base," said Bob Daniels, American Legion Post 187 of Elmhurst. "All of the recruits were very polite and respectful. Many of them told us they would remember that day for the rest of their life. It made our day, as well as theirs."

Organizations who participated in this year's program included American Legion Post 187; American Legion Post 208; AMVETS Post 66; Brookfield VFW Post 2868; Chicago Ridge Police Department; Christian Fellowship Great Lakes; Gurnee Community Church; Hammond Mohawks Athletic and Conservation Club; Israel Community Church; Kenosha Bible Church; Knights of Columbus/St. Margaret Mary Church; McHenry Moose Lodge 691; Morton Grove American Legion Post 134; New Life Lutheran Church; Palatine American Legion Post 690; St. Michael's Episcopal Church; St. John United Church of Christ; Nunda Masonic Lodge; Redeemer Lutheran Church; Susan H. Dufern Memorial Servicemens Fund; Villa Park VFW Post 2801; Unitarian Church of Evanston; and Wauconda Moose Lodge 1969.

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